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A Description of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a fatal brain disorder that was first described in 1906 by the German physician, Alois Alzheimer. Researchers are working to develop a cure and to find new treatments to improve the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients.

  1. Features

    • Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that destroys brain cells. It is the most common cause of dementia, a condition where problems with thought processes and memory become severe enough to affect day-to-day life.

    Treatment

    • Today there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but medications have been developed to treat symptoms and slow down the rate of decline.

    Significance

    • According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 5.3 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer's. It is the seventh-leading cause of death.

    Misconceptions

    • It is a common misconception that Alzheimer's and memory loss are a part of the normal aging process.

    Prognosis

    • The average life expectancy for Alzheimer's disease patients is eight to 10 years after being diagnosed. However, this fatal illness can linger for as long as 20.

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