What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects your ability to remember things and think clearly. Doctors don't know what causes the disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) attacks the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. The onset of the disease is gradual and the person's decline is usually slow. Currently, the cause of the disease is unknown, and there is no cure.

Alzheimer's disease is named after Dr Alois Alzheimer, who in 1906 described changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of what was thought to be an unusual mental illness. These changes are now recognised as the characteristic abnormal brain changes of Alzheimer's disease.

They do know that it usually begins after age 60 and nearly half of people age 85 and older may have Alzheimer's. However, it is not a normal part of aging.

The disease often starts slowly. In fact, some people don't know they have Alzheimer's disease. They blame their forgetfulness on old age. However, over time, their memory problems get much worse. People with Alzheimer's lose the ability to drive a car, cook a meal, or even read a newspaper.

They may get lost easily and find even simple things confusing. Some people become worried, angry, or violent. At some point, people with Alzheimer's disease may need someone to take care of all their needs (feeding, bathing, etc.) at home or in a nursing home.

AD affects all groups in society and is not linked with social class, gender, ethnic group or geographical location. And, although AD is more common among elderly persons, younger persons can also be affected.