2008 "Guideline for Alzheimer's Disease Management" Now Available!

With new information being generated at a rapid pace, it can be a challenge to ensure that people with Alzheimer’s disease are receiving optimum care. The California Southland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has partnered with experts throughout the State of California to update the 2002 Guideline for Alzheimer’s Disease Management. The revised Guideline contains recommendations for the primary care team, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners/nurses, social workers, and other care professionals, along with family caregivers, to make decisions regarding ongoing patient assessment, treatment, patient and family education and support, and legal considerations. 

Based on the most current evidence, the 2008 Guideline contains four substantive changes. These are:

• The advent of a new class of medication (NMDA antagonists) for the management of moderate to advanced AD
• Support for a team approach (medical and social support) as a means of providing quality AD care
• Strong evidence linking positive patient outcomes to caregiver education and support
• New evidence on managing AD in the early and end stages

To view the one-page recommendations and the full report, please visit www.alz.org/californiasouthland. For more information, contact Amy Landers at (323) 930-6289 or amy.landers@alz.org.