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Overview
Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of age-related dementia, affects 5 million Americans, 4.9 of which are over age 65. Dementia is a broad medical term that refers to the loss of mental functions such as memory and reasoning. Alzheimer's disease causes dementia by attacking nerve cells in the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. As more and more cells are destroyed, patients lose memories and the ability to reason and communicate. Personalities and behavior change. Eventually patients require total care.
The Alzheimer's Association says that people with the disease die an average of four to six years after diagnosis, but the duration of the disease can vary from three to 20 years.
Prognosis
Alzheimer's does not have a cure and is progressive. However drugs can help. One group of drugs is directed toward improving the patient's cognitive symptoms, thinking, understanding and remembering. A second group of drugs is used to treat the behavioral problems associated with Alzheimer's, such as aggressiveness, agitation, depression and anxiety.
More on Alzheimer's
In the Encyclopedia:
Reasons to Call the Doctor
 | Memory loss that interferes with daily tasks |
| Confusion |
| Poor judgment and trouble making decisions |
| Unexplained behavior or personality changes |
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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