Review of the monograph: “Major Cognitive Disorders (Dementia) in Patients with Neurodegenerative and Vascular Pathology. Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment”

Abstract

The monograph “Major Cognitive Disorders (Dementia) in Patients with Neurodegenerative and Vascular Pathology” was prepared under the editorship of Professor Mihail Gavriliuc, Doctor of Medical Sciences, by the team of authors from the prestigious “Diomid Gherman” Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery - Lilia Rotaru, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Researcher; Ana Belenciuc - PhD student; Oxana Grosu, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Master in Public Health Management; Ghenadie Cărăușu, Doctor of Medical Sciences, University Professor. The topic addressed is extremely current and widely studied in the international scientific literature. Dementia is a term encompassing multiple underlying diagnoses and reflects a progressive cognitive impairment, significantly affecting an individual's functional abilities and impacting not only the affected person but also their family and caregivers, as well as society and the economy. Among all causes of dementia, the most widespread and representative is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are many other neurodegenerative dementias, as well as dementias secondary to structural or functional brain lesions. All of these conditions are thoroughly addressed in this work. The fact that people of working age are also affected means that these conditions influence the professional functional capacity of those affected, with corresponding financial and economic implications. Globally, over 55 million people are affected by dementia, according to WHO data, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The incidence and prevalence of dementia are high, which entails enormous costs for diagnosis, treatment, and especially care. With increasing life expectancy worldwide, dementia care needs in specialized institutions are rising. The association of dementia with various age-related comorbidities further increases these care costs. The high prevalence of dementia and its financial implications have driven research in this field, resulting in a wealth of scientific data regarding underlying mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. Accurate diagnosis forms the basis for appropriate therapeutic approaches, and this work is extremely valuable for familiarizing the medical community with fundamental scientific data, classifications underlying disease diagnosis, and management. Equally important are the data regarding approved and experimental therapies currently under development. An essential part of this monograph is devoted to non-pharmacological approaches. Recognition of dementia and underlying pathologies, as well as application of classifications with diagnostic criteria, allows for faster and more accurate diagnosis, enabling the patient to receive early treatment and be placed at the center of a multidisciplinary team of specialists providing personalized management. The monograph uses explicit language in describing pathophysiological, clinical aspects, and currently available management. The work plan follows the DSM-V classification of neurocognitive disorders but also presents classifications considered the most valid for each specific nosology, developed by relevant professional societies. Based on modern and up-to-date data, this work has real scientific value, presenting information from the latest literature with an exhaustive and current bibliography. Illustrative graphical representations - tables, boxes, figures - greatly facilitate understanding of the text. The work has significant practical importance by promoting increased knowledge of the issue and is intended for a wide audience of neurologists, internal medicine physicians, general practitioners, residents, and students. On the basis of the above, the monograph “Major Cognitive Disorders (Dementia) in Patients with Neurodegenerative and Vascular Pathology. Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment” is recommended for publication (23.06.2023).