Ongoing progress in the Alzheimer's disease arena

The World Alzheimer Congress 2000, held in Washington, D.C., July 918, 2000, addressed the medical, social, psychological and economic effects of this disease, and offered the latest information on its pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Pharmacological approaches to treatment currently under investigation or represented by drugs on the market include beta-amyloid targeted therapies, cholinergic therapies, neuroprotective agents, hormone-based therapies and others. Presentations at the congress also addressed the preventive potential of diet and the treatment of the behavioral disturbances associated with the disease.