Kawas CH: Early alzheimer's disease. N Engl J Med 349(11):1056-63.

Amin SH, Kuhle CL, Fitzpatrick LA: Comprehensive evaluation of the older woman. Mayo Clin Proc 2003;78(9):1157-85.

Karlawish JHT, Clark CM: Diagnostic evaluation of elderly patients with mild memory problems: Ann Intern Med 2003;138(5):411-419.

Knopman DS, Boeve BF, Petersen RC: Essentials of the proper diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and major subtypes of dementia. Mayo Clin Proc 2003;78(10):1290-1308.

Many recent review articles focus on the evaluation of memory loss in the elderly, illustrating the increased importance of the topic. Karlawish and Clark use a case-based discussion to address the clinical challenges of differentiating mild cognitive impairment from depression, deciding when to order neuroimaging and laboratory tests, and the need to initiate nonpharmacologic measures as well as drug therapy.

Amin and coauthors provide a gender-focused review along with specific clinical tools such as the modified Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale, the Mini-Mental Status Examination, and the Clock Drawing Test that may be useful for a comprehensive evaluation.

Knopman and coauthors focus on accurate diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and dementia, including detailed diagnostic criteria for different dementia subtypes.

Kawas reviews medications useful for the treatment of symptoms of dementia and outlines current guidelines for the diagnosis and management of dementia, including their sources and key elements. Because it is likely that effective preventive or arrestive therapies will be available in the next decade, there is an increased need for early and accurate clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, and even recognition of individuals without disease who are at risk.