Early Indicators of Cognitive Decline, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Related Dementias Captured by Neurophysiological Tools

Book excerpt: Major neurocognitive disorders are one of the leading causes of disability and dependency among the elderly worldwide. Notably, their far-reaching impact extends beyond the estimated 50 million people currently living with a major neurocognitive disorder. As the conversion to Alzheimer's disease (AD) progresses, patients’ symptoms (e.g., memory loss, severe impairments in thinking and behavior) place a heavy toll on their caregivers, family, and friends, who face emotional frustration, coupled with great financial stress. Furthermore, in terms of global cost estimation, the World Health Organization predicted that by 2030, the treatment of patients with AD and other forms of acquired cognitive impairment will cost the healthcare system US$1.7 trillion (or US$2.8 trillion, if corrected for the increase in care costs).