Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain, resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behavior.  More than 5 million are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease in the U.S., taking more than 100,000 lives annually. It is projected that 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder by the year 2050 if no cure is found.  No one knows yet exactly what causes Alzheimer's disease.  Researchers are learning about what happens to the brain as we grow older, what happens to brain cells in Alzheimer's disease, the genes associated with Alzheimer's, and many other factors that may be important.


The Alzheimer's Association recommends that people interested in healthy aging pursue an active approach to "Maintain Your Brain."


What are the Symptoms?
In most cases, one of the first signs is short-term memory loss.  Confusion and personality changes also characterize the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.  As the disease progresses, a person may lose the ability to perform routine tasks, such as driving or balancing a checkbook.  Judgment, concentration, orientation and speech also become impaired.  In later stages, the ability to recognize family members and familiar surroundings is effected, and eventually patients lose all mental and physical abilities. 

Early diagnosis is important because treatment may be more effective in the earlier stages.  Early diagnosis also allows the person with Alzheimer's disease to participate in care decisions.  In addition, other reversible causes, which can be readily treated, may produce Alzheimer-type symptoms. 

What Treatment is Available?
Cause is not yet known and currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease.  However, there are medications currently available to treat the symptoms and to maybe slow down the progression of the disease.  Care partners should take their loved ones for a comprehensive medical exam, including physical, neurological, psychiatric, and laboratory testing, to determine treatment options. If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, click here to see what next steps you can take.

Progress and Hope
It's important to understand how much has been accomplished in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and why there is hope. Most of what is known about Alzheimer's disease has been learned in the past 15 years. During this exciting time, medical researchers have uncovered numerous secrets of Alzheimer's disease; in many ways, the disease is no longer a mystery. But there is still much to learn.  In the meantime, there is reason to be hopeful. Through the efforts of the National Institute on Aging; America's network of Alzheimer's Disease Centers; the Alzheimer's Association; and pharmaceutical companies and medical researchers worldwide, progress is being made in understanding how to treat Alzheimer's disease and to prevent or delay its onset.

Take Care of Your Brain
The Alzheimer's Association believes it is important for Americans to understand that healthy aging is a process that should begin sooner in life rather than later to remain healthy of body and mind for as long as possible. More research is necessary, especially through prevention trials, but increasing evidence suggests that what's good for the heart is good for the brain. Eating a healthy diet, getting more physical activity and managing your numbers--your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as your body weight--contribute to healthier aging and may also decrease your risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
Some change in memory is normal as we grow older, but the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are more than simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimer's disease often experience difficulties communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning--problems that are severe enough to have an impact on an individual's work, social activities and family life.

The Alzheimer's Association believes that it is critical for people with dementia and their families to receive information, care, and support as early as possible. To help family members and healthcare professionals recognize warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Association has developed a list of common symptoms. Please consult with your physician if you or a family member experiences the following symptoms:

1. Memory loss
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks
3. Problems with language
4. Disorientation to time and place
5. Poor or decreased judgement
6. Problems with abstract thinking
7. Misplacing things
8. Changes in mood or behavior
9. Changes in personality
10. Loss of initiative