Differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

The differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has dramatically changed since the evolution of the diagnostic strategies (with definition of neuropsychological, behavioural, and imaging patterns) and disposal of cholinergic drugs indicated in Alzheimer's disease. The question is no more centred on exclusion of the traditional reversible dementias or depression. It is centred on the distinction between Alzheimer's disease and other degenerative diseases still often misdiagnosed with Alzheimer's disease such as frontotemporal dementias, dementia with Lewy bodies, and some focal atrophies that do not have the same physiopathology and should not be treated with anticholinesterase drugs. Besides, better knowledge on the links between cerebrovascular pathology and Alzheimer's disease, remind us that both pathologies may coexist and should be taken into account.