Alzheimer’s

Like the rest of the body, the brain changes as you age. It’s normal to occasionally forget things or to think more slowly than you did when you were young. However, it’s not a normal part of aging to experience serious memory loss or drastic behavioral changes. These are signs that the brain may be failing.

Alzheimer’s disease (also known as AD or simply Alzheimer’s) is a brain disorder that is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function. It is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is most often found in people over the age of 65.

Alzheimer’s disease destroys brain cells. This results in problems with memory and rational thought. Patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease often demonstrate radical changes in behavior. They are typically unable to take care of themselves and often become confused in social situations. Some sufferers no longer derive any pleasure from lifelong hobbies, and sadly, some lose ability to recognize their loved ones.

Scientists are still racing to learn as much as they can about Alzheimer’s disease. Both drug and nondrug treatments exist, which can help to alleviate the impact of symptoms, but there is currently no cure for the disease. Often, Alzheimer’s disease is fatal.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. More than 5 million American seniors suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The disease affects 2 percent of Americans aged 65-74, 19 percent of those aged 75-84 and 42 percent of those 85 and older.
  2. As the baby boomers grow older, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease is likely to skyrocket. By 2050, as many as 15 million people may be affected.
  3. The time from the onset of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms to death can range from 3 years to 20 years. The average sufferer will pass away from the disease after 8 years.
  4. The most common symptoms and warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss; difficulty speaking, reading or understanding spoken language; difficulty performing simple tasks; becoming disoriented; poor judgment; inability to form abstract thoughts; and unexplained changes in mood or personality.
  5. A very small percentage of young people (usually in their 30s or 40s) get Alzheimer’s disease. This form of the disease is called early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD). This accounts for less than 5 percent of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Is my loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease?
  2. How can I expect my loved one’s symptoms to change over time?
  3. What are the treatment options available?

Also Known As: Presenile dementia, impaired memory, impaired thought, impaired speech

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