International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 276-289 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 276 Research Report Open Access Classic Clinical Case Studies on Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease Yuchuan Yang, Xiaoying Xu Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: xiaoying.xu@cuixi.org International Journal of Clinical Case Reports 2024, Vol.14, No.5 doi: 10.5376/ijccr.2024.14.0028 Received: 06 Aug., 2024 Accepted: 13 Sep., 2024 Published: 14 Oct., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yang and Xu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yang W.C., and Xu X.Y., 2024, Classic clinical case studies on early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 14(5): 276-289 (doi: 10.5376/ijccr.2024.14.0028) Abstract This study explores the significance of early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its impact on patients and their families. Through detailed clinical case analyses, the study presents the clinical manifestations of early AD, diagnostic tools, and the latest advancements in biomarkers. It covers topics such as neuropsychological assessments, standardized cognitive tests, imaging techniques (e.g., MRI and PET scans), and the application of biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The discussion also includes genetic factors, pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention strategies, and the psychological, emotional, and social effects of early diagnosis on patients and their families. By systematically summarizing the current research progress in early diagnosis, this study aims to provide a reference for clinical practice and propose recommendations for future research and management strategies. Keywords Alzheimer's disease; Early diagnosis; Biomarkers; Neuropsychological assessment; Genetic factors 1 Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all dementia cases globally. Early diagnosis of AD is crucial as it allows for timely medical intervention, which can slow the progression of symptoms, improve the quality of life, and enable patients and their families to prepare for future care needs. Detecting AD in its early stages, when the first signs of cognitive impairment appear, has been shown to maximize treatment options and allow patients to maintain cognitive function for a longer period (Burke and Goldfarb, 2022). Despite the benefits of early diagnosis, several challenges hinder the detection of AD in its early stages. One significant challenge is the overlap of early AD symptoms with normal aging processes, which can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis (Ivanoiu et al., 2020). Additionally, there are limitations in the current diagnostic tools, which are often invasive, expensive, and not readily accessible in routine clinical settings. Neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, although accurate, may not be suitable for widespread screening. Furthermore, the stigma associated with a dementia diagnosis can discourage individuals from seeking evaluation, thus delaying diagnosis and intervention. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the clinical and neuropsychological features indicative of early-stage AD, with a specific focus on improving early diagnosis methods. A thorough understanding of these early indicators is essential for developing more effective diagnostic criteria and tools that can be applied in clinical practice to identify AD before significant cognitive decline occurs. By improving early detection, we can better manage the progression of the disease, optimize treatment strategies, and enhance patient outcomes. Additionally, this research emphasizes the need for less invasive, more cost-effective diagnostic tools that can be integrated into primary care settings, facilitating earlier diagnosis and intervention. 2 Clinical Presentation and Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease 2.1 Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its role in early diagnosis Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is recognized as an intermediate stage between normal cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), where cognitive decline is greater than expected for an individual’s age but not severe
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