Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview
Article Navigation:
- Introduction
- Definition of Alzheimer's Disease
- Signs and Symptoms
- Types of Alzheimer's Disease
- Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease
- Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
- Tests for Alzheimer's Disease
- Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's Disease
- Alzheimer's Caregiver Support
- Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease
- Alzheimer's Prevention and Research
- Summary and Conclusions
- Alzheimer's Disease References
Definition of Alzheimer's Disease
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disease of unknown cause that results in declining brain function.[1] There is no known cure for the disease. Over time, memory and thinking skills are destroyed. Symptoms usually appear after age 60. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, or decreased brain function, in older people.
In the United States, an estimated 2.4 to 4.5 million people have Alzheimer's disease. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.[2] Alzheimer's disease strikes men and women equally.[3] Risk for Alzheimer's disease increases with age. Higher levels of education are associated with reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease.
This Elder Health Guide was published on August 1, 2009 and was updated on November 2, 2009.
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