[Guidelines for the medical treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease].

The prevalence of dementia is approximately 1.7 - 4.3% among aged people in Taiwan, and Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Although three cholinesterase inhibitors and one glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist are available in Taiwan to treat dementia, their insurance reimbursement is strictly regulated and only a small proportion of patients with AD receive medical treatment. A local consensus of and guideline for treatment of dementia is needed in Taiwan. Therefore, the Guideline Subcommittee of the Taiwan Dementia Society summarized the data of cholinesterase inhibitors and glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist for treatment of the patients with AD according to the principles of evidence- based medicine. We have assessed the qualities of studies, levels of evidence, and referred to other guidelines proposed by Western countries. After several panel discussions, we merged opinions from the subcommittee members and proposed a Taiwan consensus.