What are the main characteristics of Alzheimer disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The main characteristics of AD include:

* Memory loss: This is the most common symptom of AD. It usually begins with mild forgetfulness, such as forgetting where you put your keys or what day of the week it is. As the disease progresses, memory loss becomes more severe and people may eventually forget who they are or how to do basic tasks.

* Difficulty thinking: This can include problems with language, such as finding the right words or understanding what someone is saying. People with AD may also have problems with judgment, reasoning, and problem-solving.

* Changes in behavior: These can include things like becoming withdrawn or apathetic, or showing inappropriate behavior. People with AD may also become anxious, depressed, or aggressive.

* Physical symptoms: These can include things like muscle stiffness, tremors, and difficulty walking. People with AD may also experience weight loss and incontinence.

AD is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time. The speed at which the disease progresses varies from person to person. Some people may live for many years with mild symptoms, while others may progress rapidly to severe dementia.

There is no cure for AD, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve symptoms. These treatments include medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.