|  | Conditions Treatments | Alzheimers

Alzheimer's Disease Life Expectancy

Alzheimer's disease, a brain disorder, is the most common form of dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are at least 5.3 million Americans living with this progressive, fatal disease.

  1. What Is Alzheimer's

    • Alzheimer's is a disease that directly affects the brain, causing memory loss and impaired judgment and affecting social behaviors. There is no known cure for this disease, and medical professionals can only treat the symptoms.

    Life Expectancy

    • The life expectancy for people with Alzheimer's disease is generally four to six years after being diagnosed. However, there are a number of unknowns associated with this disease, and people can live anywhere from three to 20 years after diagnosis.

    Stages

    • Alzheimer's disease is progressive and is categorized by seven stages. These stages range from the first stage, with no visible impairment, to moderate decline and finally the seventh stage, which is the severe, late stage with death imminent.

    Alzheimer's and Age

    • Alzheimer's disease is generally thought of as occurring in elderly people. But early onset of Alzheimer's can occur in people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

    Diagnosis

    • If you suspect you or someone you know has Alzheimer's disease, it is important to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis can help delay certain symptoms and lead to better planning for the future.

Alzheimers - Related Articles