What Does Alzheimer's Disease Mean?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, fatal brain disorder. It is the most widespread form of dementia, which is a brain disorder that affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities.

The Facts

• Alzheimer's disease is not an inevitable part of aging, but as you age, the risk of developing this disorder increases. According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly half of people over 85 have this disorder.

Symptoms

• People with Alzheimer's disease develop forgetfulness severe enough to interfere with their ability to function at home. They may become disoriented, confused and have difficulty finding the right word or performing familiar tasks.

Causes and Risk Factors

• A combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors are believed to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease. The greatest risk factor is age, as most people with this disease are 65 or older. Other risk factors include family history of AD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and uncontrolled diabetes.

Diagnosis

• There is not a single test that can diagnose Alzheimer's disease. A variety of assessments are used to make a diagnosis, including lab tests, neuropsychological tests and brain scans.

Treatment

• Drugs may be prescribed to improve signs and symptoms, such as sleeplessness, agitation and depression. Two medications (cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine) have been approved by the FDA to treat cognitive symptoms.