Alzheimer's disease is a growing problem—and spread across the world. Here, researchers in the United Kingdom and at Pfizer surveyed caregivers of Alzheimer's patients to find out how long it took for the disease to be diagnosed and how it was being treated.

What the researchers wanted to know: How well are patients with Alzheimer's being treated in Australia, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom?

What they did: Researchers recruited caregivers of Alzheimer's patients through physicians, charities, websites, pharmacists, day cares, and Alzheimer's associations. All of the caregivers were related to the patient, and none were paid for their care. Interviewers called 741 caregivers and asked about the patients' diagnosis and treatment and the burden on themselves.

What they found: An average of one year passed from when caregivers first noticed Alzheimer's symptoms to the time the disease was diagnosed; nearly a quarter of caregivers waited more than a year from the time the symptoms started until they made a doctor's appointment. About one third of the patients weren't taking any medication.

What it means to you: Earlier diagnosis might help patients and their caregivers live in more comfort for longer. The value of Alzheimer's drugs is still being debated, though.

Caveats: Three of the study's four authors work for Pfizer, which makes the Alzheimer's drug Aricept.

Find out more: Cholinesterase inhibitors (including Aricept) http://www.alz.org/

Read the article: Wilkinson, D., Stave, C., Keohane, D., and O. Vincenzino. "The Role of General Practitioners in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Multinational Survey." The Journal of International Medical Research. March/April 2004, Vol. 32, pp. 149–159.

Abstract online: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/