Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Here's where to draw the line between early and late onset AD.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a condition characterized by degeneration and death of brain cells that leads to a steady decline in memory and mental functions. There are primarily two types of AD:

• Early onset AD: In this less common type of AD, symptoms appear before age 65. The symptoms, however, may get worse quickly. Early onset AD may run in families.
• Late onset AD: This more common type of AD occurs in people age 65 and older. It may also run in families, but the role of genetics is less clear for this type of AD.

The Alzheimer's Association describes the 10 warning symptoms and signs for Alzheimer's disease. To know more you may visit http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10_signs_of_alzheimers.asp.