on Defeating Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias: a priority for European science and society Dementia includes a range of neurological disorders characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment. The most common early symptom is difficulties remembering recent events. With the development of the disease, symptoms occur such as disorientation, mood swings, confusion, more serious memory loss, behavioural changes, difficulties in speaking and swallowing, as well as walking. Alzheimer Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia (50-70% of dementia cases). Increasing age is the most important risk factor for AD.In 2012 and 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented reports suggesting that Alzheimer Disease and other dementias (ADOD) should be regarded as a global public health priority 1,2 . Similar policy declarations have been presented by the European Union 3 , as well as by some individual countries. These policy declarations acknowledge trends that sometimes are described in terms of an epidemic or a "time-bomb". In 2015, the number of people affected by dementia worldwide is estimated to be almost 47 million and the numbers are expected to reach 75 million by 2030 and 131 million by 2050, with the greatest increase in low and middle income countries. The main reason for the increase is the global aging trend, since dementias are associated with a high age-specific prevalence, i.e., increasing prevalence with higher age. The global economic costs of dementia were estimated to be more than 600 billion USD in 2010 6 and 818 billion USD in 2015 5 . The direct costs in the medical and social care sectors, 487 billion USD, represent 0.65% of the aggregated global gross domestic products (GDP), which is an enormous economic impact of a single group of disorders, especially considering that 87% of the costs occur in high income countries. Care of people with dementia impacts several sectors in the society with the social care (long term care and home services) and informal care sectors constituting the greatest proportions -even greater than direct medical care 6 . In cost of illness studies, European cost estimates in 2010 ranged between 238,6 billion USD 6 and 105,6 billion € 7 .However, the economic and societal burden of ADOD corresponds to the aggregate burden of people with dementia and their next of kin. The progressive nature of dementia can influence the whole life situation for families over many years. So far, no cure or substantial symptom relieving treatment is available for ADOD. Thus, the impact of this terminal disease is already today enormous, and given the predictions for the future, ADOD represents an enormous challenge for any society, and particularly to the ageing European society.Further knowledge is needed regarding the causes of ADOD. A more complete understanding of the disease mechanisms is required for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. There is also a need to establish new cell-based and animal models representing, as far as possible, major clinical component...

As the first 1-year, multinational, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of a cholinesterase inhibitor in AD, these data support donepezil as a well tolerated and effective long-term treatment for patients with AD, with benefits over placebo on global assessment, cognition, and ADL.

The aim of this international guideline on dementia was to present a peer-reviewed evidence-based statement for the guidance of practice for clinical neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, and other specialist physicians responsible for the care of patients with dementia. It covers major aspects of diagnostic evaluation and treatment, with particular emphasis on the type of patient often referred to the specialist physician. The main focus is Alzheimer's disease, but many of the recommendations apply to dementia disorders in general. The task force working group considered and classified evidence from original research reports, meta-analysis, and systematic reviews, published before January 2006. The evidence was classified and consensus recommendations graded according to the EFNS guidance. Where there was a lack of evidence, but clear consensus, good practice points were provided. The recommendations for clinical diagnosis, blood tests, neuroimaging, electroencephalography (EEG), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, genetic testing, tissue biopsy, disclosure of diagnosis, treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and counselling and support for caregivers were all revised when compared with the previous EFNS guideline. New recommendations were added for the treatment of vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies, for monitoring treatment, for treatment of behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia, and for legal issues. The specialist physician plays an important role together with primary care physicians in the multidisciplinary dementia teams, which have been established throughout Europe. This guideline may contribute to the definition of the role of the specialist physician in providing dementia health care.