What Is Alzheimer's?
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Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
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Alzheimer's and dementia basics
- Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia,
a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious
enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for
50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
Learn more: What We Know Today and Understanding Dementia.
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There is a lot to know about living
with Alzheimer's disease. Stay up-to-date on the latest advances in
Alzheimer's, plus get tips on managing daily life with the disease.
- Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging,
although the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the
majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. But Alzheimer's is
not just a disease of old age. Up to 5 percent of people with the
disease have early onset Alzheimer's (also known as younger-onset),
which often appears when someone is in their 40s or 50s.
Learn more: Early Onset Alzheimer's and Risk Factors - Alzheimer's worsens over time.
Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually
worsen over a number of years. In its early stages, memory loss is
mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer's, individuals lose the ability to
carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer's is
the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with
Alzheimer's live an average of eight years after their symptoms become
noticeable to others, but survival can range from four to 20 years,
depending on age and other health conditions.
Learn more: 10 Warning Signs and Stages of Alzheimer's Disease. - Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues.
Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from
progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia
symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and
their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find
better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from
developing.
Learn more: Standard Treatments, Treatment Horizon, Prevention and Clinical Trials.
Help is available
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or a
related dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association is the
trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and
support to millions of people affected by the disease.Call our 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900 Locate a chapter in your community Use our Virtual Library Go to Alzheimer's Navigator to create customized action plans and connect with local support services | |
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Symptoms of Alzheimer's
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information.Just like the rest of our bodies, our brains change as we age . Most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and occasional problems with remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work may be a sign that brain cells are failing.
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information because Alzheimer's changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.
People with memory loss or other possible signs of Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia may be more obvious to family members or friends. Anyone experiencing dementia-like symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you need assistance finding a doctor with experience evaluating memory problems, your local Alzheimer's Association chapter can help. Early diagnosis and intervention methods are improving dramatically, and treatment options and sources of support can improve quality of life. Two helpful support resources you can tap into are ALZConnected, our messages boards and online social networking community, and Alzheimer's Navigator, a web tool that creates customized action plans, based on answers you provide through short, online surveys.
RELATED INFORMATION
Alzheimer's and the brain
Alzheimer's is not the only cause of memory loss.
Many
people have trouble with memory — this does NOT mean they have
Alzheimer's. There are many different causes of memory loss. If you or a
loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia, it is best to visit a
doctor so the cause can be determined. Learn more: Visiting Your Doctor | |
The brain has 100 billion nerve cells (neurons). Each nerve cell connects with many others to form communication networks. Groups of nerve cells have special jobs. Some are involved in thinking, learning and remembering. Others help us see, hear and smell.
To do their work, brain cells operate like tiny factories. They receive supplies, generate energy, construct equipment and get rid of waste. Cells also process and store information and communicate with other cells. Keeping everything running requires coordination as well as large amounts of fuel and oxygen.
Scientists believe Alzheimer's disease prevents parts of a cell's factory from running well. They are not sure where the trouble starts. But just like a real factory, backups and breakdowns in one system cause problems in other areas. As damage spreads, cells lose their ability to do their jobs and, eventually die, causing irreversible changes in the brain.
Learn more: Brain Tour
The role of plaques and tangles
Take the Brain Tour
Plaques are deposits of a protein fragment called beta-amyloid (BAY-tuh AM-uh-loyd) that build up in the spaces between nerve cells.
Tangles are twisted fibers of another protein called tau (rhymes with “wow”) that build up inside cells.
Though most people develop some plaques and tangles as they age, those with Alzheimer's tend to develop far more. They also tend to develop them in a predictable pattern, beginning in areas important for memory before spreading to other regions.
Scientists do not know exactly what role plaques and tangles play in Alzheimer's disease. Most experts believe they somehow play a critical role in blocking communication among nerve cells and disrupting processes that cells need to survive.
It's the destruction and death of nerve cells that causes memory failure, personality changes, problems carrying out daily activities and other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Research and progress
Today, Alzheimer's is at the forefront of biomedical research.Researchers are working to uncover as many aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias as possible. Ninety percent of what we know about Alzheimer's has been discovered in the last 15 years. Some of the most remarkable progress has shed light on how Alzheimer's affects the brain. The hope is this better understanding will lead to new treatments. Many potential approaches are currently under investigation worldwide. Sign up for our enews to receive updates about Alzheimer’s and dementia care and research.
Learn more: Alz.org Research Center
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's
Typical age-related memory loss and other changes compared to Alzheimer's
What to do if you notice these signs
For your doctor’s visit, 10 Warning Signs Checklist
10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life | ||
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially
forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting
important dates or events; asking for the same information over and
over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes
or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle
on their own.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
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Challenges in planning or solving problems | ||
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and
follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a
familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have
difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did
before. What's a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook. |
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Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure | ||
People with Alzheimer's
often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have
trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or
remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show. |
Confusion with time or place | ||
People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the
passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is
not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or
how they got there. What's a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later. |
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships | ||
For some people, having
vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty
reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may
cause problems with driving.
What's a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts. |
New problems with words in speaking or writing | ||
People with Alzheimer's
may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in
the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they
may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems
finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a
"watch" a "hand-clock").
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word. |
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps | ||
A person with Alzheimer's
disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be
unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they
may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
What's a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them. |
Decreased or poor judgment | ||
People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or
decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing
with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less
attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. What's a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while. |
Withdrawal from work or social activities | ||
A
person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies,
social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble
keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a
favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes
they have experienced. What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations. |
Changes in mood and personality | ||
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They
can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may
be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they
are out of their comfort zone. What's a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
Overview
What Is Dementia?
What Is Alzheimer's?
Younger/Early Onset
Facts and Figures
Know the 10 Signs
Stages
Inside the Brain: An Interactive Tour
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatments
Myths
Clinical Studies
Publications
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