Understanding Alzheimer's Disease: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Alzheimer's disease is a fatal brain disorder that was first described in 1906 by the German physician, Alois Alzheimer. Researchers are working to develop a cure and to find new treatments to improve the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients.

Features

• Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that destroys brain cells. It is the most common cause of dementia, a condition where problems with thought processes and memory become severe enough to affect day-to-day life.

Treatment

• Today there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but medications have been developed to treat symptoms and slow down the rate of decline.

Significance

• According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 5.3 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer's. It is the seventh-leading cause of death.

Misconceptions

• It is a common misconception that Alzheimer's and memory loss are a part of the normal aging process.

Prognosis

• The average life expectancy for Alzheimer's disease patients is eight to 10 years after being diagnosed. However, this fatal illness can linger for as long as 20.