The predisposing factors, biological markers, neuroimaging techniques and medical complications associated with Alzheimer's disease.

With increased longevity and increased prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity, dementia is likely to raise three to fourfold. The diagnosis of the Alzheimer's type dementia is being challenged as the majority of the dementias appear to be of the mixed type. Biological and genetic factors combined with life style choices play a role in the development of the dementias. The drugs in current use to modify the symptoms have had little impact. Today's research challenges the long held amyloid theory of Alzheimer 's disease. Research has been inconsistent and more support is needed to help us identify preventable and modifiable factors of the disease.