Alzheimer's 101

Named after German physician Alois Alzheimer, who discovered the disorder in 1906, Alzheimer's disease progressively attacks the brain. Alzheimer's kills brain cells, triggers memory loss and prompts thinking and behavioral problems that eventually lead to death, according to the nonprofit Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimer's accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases. As of March 2010, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but doctors are developing methods to treat, stave off and prevent the disease.

Statistics

• The Alzheimer's Association estimates about 5.3 million Americans are living with the disorder. As of 2009, it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the nation. African Americans are twice as likely and Latinos are 1.5 times as likely as Caucasians to have Alzheimer's. While mortality from stroke, prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and HIV decreased between 2000 and 2006, the Alzheimer's Association reports that Alzheimer's deaths increased by 46.1 percent over the period.

Symptoms

• While occasional forgetfulness is common, the Mayo Clinic warns that memory problems associated with Alzheimer's Disease persist and get worse over time. Individuals with Alzheimer's often repeat things, forget appointments and conversations, misplace things or put them in strange places. As the disease progresses, they forget the names of family members and everyday items. Symptoms such as mood swings, distrust in others, increased stubbornness, depression, anxiety and aggressiveness can also accompany Alzheimer's.

Stages

• Most people with Alzheimer's die within four to six years, though the Alzheimer's Association points out that progression can occur in as little as three or as many as 20 years. The seven stages of Alzheimer's detailed by the Association outline a typical pattern of progression, making them useful for understanding the disease and making plans for loved ones. Stages range from no impairment followed by very mild cognitive decline early on to severe and then very severe cognitive decline in stages six and seven, respectively. In the final stage, Alzheimer's patients often cannot speak and have lost the ability to carry out life's daily functions.

Causes

• As of March 2010, scientists do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer's. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) believes genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors all play a role. In terms of risk factors, the Alzheimer's Association advises that age and family history often predict the disease. The association also reports a link between serious head injuries and future risk of Alzheimer's as well as a relationship between high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol and Alzheimer's.

Prevention/Treatment

• In addition to contributing to overall health, the NIA claims that a sound diet, physical activity, being socially active and mental stimulation can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and, potentially, Alzheimer's Disease. The Mayo Clinic notes that challenging yourself mentally over your life course can help stave off dementia. While there is no cure, the Alzheimer's Association points out that several medications are used to help lessen the cognitive symptoms of the disorder.