AGE-ASSOCIATED MEMORY IMPAIRMENT - DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT ISSUES

There has been an enormous increase in research to identify potential pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment in elderly people. Currently, well over 150 such compounds are under development by the pharmaceutical industry. However, among those who are potential targets for such treatment are many who suffer from relatively mild disorder, where the distinction from both dementia and 'normality' is not clear. These people include those described as suffering from benign senescent forgetfulness and age-associated memory impairment. This article discusses principles of diagnosis and treatment in this area with particular reference to age-associated memory impairment. For ethical, practical and economic reasons it is essential that these issues are examined thoroughly before any apparent breakthrough in therapy.