alzheimer’s disease agitation

What is Alzheimer’s Disease Agitation?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that first shows up as forgetfulness, and advances to severe cognitive impairment and memory loss. People diagnosed with AD also typically have behavioral and psychological symptoms including agitation.

Agitation is characterized by emotional distress, aggressive behaviors, disruptive irritability, and disinhibition.

Alzheimer’s disease agitation is common

AD itself is a common form of dementia, affecting an estimated 6 million people in the U.S. in 2020. That number is expected to jump to about 14 million by 2060.

Agitation is reported in about 70% of
people living with AD

Unmet needs

Treatments are desperately needed

• There are currently no therapies approved by the FDA for the treatment of agitation in patients with AD

Key facts

• Agitation has been associated with increased caregiver burden, decreased functioning, earlier nursing home placement, and increased mortality risk