Alzheimer's? Alshiemers is a common misspelling of Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia seen in older people. Named for Dr. Alois Alzheimer (a German physician), this disease affects approximately 5 percent of people ages 65 to 74. It is primarily characterized by memory loss, deteriorating language skills, and impaired judgment. The older a person gets, the more likely he or she is to develop the condition. While treatments exist to help relieve symptoms, there currently is no cure.
(Click Alzheimer's for a detailed look at the condition, including possible causes, risk factors, potential symptoms, treatment options, and more. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)