What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer's disease (also known simply as "Alzheimer's"). This condition initially affects the parts of the brain that control thinking, memory, and language.
Alzheimer's is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Within the brain tissue, he found abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles). Today, these plaques and tangles in the brain are considered signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Although scientists are learning more every day, the exact causes of Alzheimer's are still unknown and there is no cure. A few different
Alzheimer's treatment medications are available to help with related symptoms, but these are only effective for a limited period of time.
Risk Factors for Alzheimer's
Age is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65.
Scientists who specialize in
Alzheimer's research have discovered three genes that cause early symptoms of (familial) Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have also identified genetic mutations that cause excessive buildups of amyloid proteins, which are associated with age-related (sporadic) Alzheimer's.
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