Alzheimer's dementia: morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the morbidity and mortality of Alzheimer's disease in early onset and late onset disease. BACKGROUND Comprehensive literature review to provide historic and demographic background on the disease as well as to determine the pertinent factors for risk assessment. METHODS Abstract mortality methodology is employed to develop mortality ratios and life expectancies on those with early onset as well as late onset disease. RESULTS Mortality ratios and morbidity are high in the early onset disease. The late onset disease has high mortality ratios in the more severe forms of the disease. Mild disease is not associated with high mortality ratios. CONCLUSIONS Alzheimer's disease is an important impairment in an elderly individual. Early onset disease is uncommon and associated with high mortality and morbidity. The late onset disease is common and is associated with much less morbidity and mortality. Risk factors are useful in identifying high-risk individuals.