The paper gives an update on the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It points out the role of acetylcholine and glutamatergic components of neurotransmission in the pathogenesis of the disease, as well as their interactions, which is important to keep in mind to have a potentiated response to therapy that includes both these components. Different approaches to AD therapy are considered on the basis of the current ideas on the pathogenetic mechanisms of a degenerative process and with regard to the clinical features of the disease (the nature of the psychopathological symptoms of the disease and its stage). Particular emphasis is placed on compensatory therapy for deficient cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Whether psychopharmacological agents may be used and psychotherapeutic work with the relatives of patients with AD should be done are also highlighted. Data on the efficiency of replacement therapy for different dementia stages, which promotes a delay in degenerative processes and a definite stabilization of the mental status, are presented.