ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE^1,2

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. The statistics are staggering: 13% of individuals over the age of 65 (1 in 8) have Alzheimer's disease. Someone in America develops Alzheimer's every 71 seconds. It is estimated that, by mid-century, someone will develop Alzheimer's every 33 seconds.

Alzheimer's affects the parts of the brain that control memory, thought, and language. Doctors do not know the exact cause of Alzheimer's; however, medical research is working to find out what causes it and how best to treat it. Alzheimer's disease is progressive and affects people in different ways. Early diagnosis is paramount to adequately treating the disease. Although each case of Alzheimer's disease is unique to a specific patient, there are similarities in the signs and symptoms that develop as the disease progresses.

References: 1. Alzheimer’s Association. 2008 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimers Dement. 2008;4(2):110-133. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/report_alzfactsfigures2008.pdf. Accessed January 28, 2009. 2. Alzheimer’s Association. Stages of alzheimer’s disease. http://www.alz.org/national/documents/topicsheet_stages.pdf. Updated October 2003. Accessed January 28, 2009.