Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, making early detection essential for effective intervention. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the use of deep learning techniques, specifically convolutional neural networks (CNN) and vision transformers (ViT), for the classification of AD using brain imaging data. While previous reviews have covered similar topics, this paper offers a unique perspective by providing a detailed comparison of CNN and ViT for AD classification, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each approach. Additionally, the review presents an updated and thorough analysis of the most recent studies in the field, including the latest advancements in CNN and ViT architectures, training methods, and performance evaluation metrics. Furthermore, the paper discusses the ethical considerations and challenges associated with the use of deep learning models for AD classification, such as the need for interpretability and the potential for bias. By addressing these issues, this review aims to provide valuable insights for future research and clinical applications, ultimately advancing the field of AD classification using deep learning techniques.