Alzheimers Information

Alzheimers Disease Information

The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer's disease (AD), which initially involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. It is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. Alzheimer's disease is one of the leading causes of death in America.

This disorder was first identified by the German physician Alois Alzheimer in 1907. This disorder is a serious illness that affects the memory ability of the brain, capability of learning, making rational decisions and capacity to function routinely. It is the most common type of dementia. The progressive loss of intellectual abilities is termed dementia.

As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions or hallucinations. As the disease advances, cognitive abilities, including the ability to make decisions and perform everyday tasks, are eroded, and personality changes and difficult behaviors may emerge. The disease usually begins after age 60, and risk goes up with age. While younger people also may get Alzheimer's disease, it is much less common.