ABSTRACT
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. With the first case of AD identified over a century ago, knowledge gained regarding this prevalent and devastating neurodegenerative disease has been manifold. This chapter provides an overview of AD and its associated clinical features. Included is a discussion of the historical and theoretical contexts for present-day neuropathological and clinical practices used in the detection of, and differentiation between, AD and other conditions that can cause dementia. Given that, to date, there remains no curative treatment for AD, we also review some of the unique challenges that the study and treatment of AD and dementia poses. The role of neuropsychology in navigating these challenges is specifically discussed, as well as advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of AD and its associated clinical manifestations that will likely inform innovations in the AD field in years to come.
