Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain's nerve cells (neurons), resulting in impaired memory, thinking, language and behavior. AD advances in stages, progressing from occasional forgetfulness to complete loss of mental abilities. The discovery of AD dates back to 1906 when Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, had a case in which a 51 year old woman was suffering from an unidentified brain disorder. The brain autopsy showed the plaques and tangles that we now characterize as AD. Scientists still have not determined whether these structures cause the disease or if they are simply a by-product of it. The irreversible progression of AD begins years before symptoms appear. During this time, nerve cells in the brain responsible for relaying information have already started to shrink off and die. This explains why it is so important to take action once symptoms emerge.
AD is the fourth leading cause of death in adults, after heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It is estimated that roughly five million Americans suffer from AD, affecting men and women equally. By the year 2050 it is estimated that as many as 16 million will have this disease. Its duration can vary, but usually can last from three to 20 years with most patients dying within eight years on average after experiencing the first symptoms. Today, the annual cost of AD in the US is well over $100 billion, making it the third most costly disease after heart disease and cancer.
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Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of
research; to provide and enhance care and support
for all affected. www.alz.org/ - 55k - |
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain
disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer,
who first described it in 1906. Scientists have
learned a great deal ... www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp - 28k - More results from www.alz.org » |
Histopathologic image of senile plaques seen in
the cerebral cortex in a patient with Alzheimer
disease of presenile onset. Silver
impregnation. ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alzheimer's_disease - 478k - |
The most common form of dementia among older
people is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which initially involves the parts of the
brain that control thought, ... www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm - 33k - |
The Alzheimer's Disease Education and
Referral (ADEAR) Center Web site will help you
find current, comprehensive Alzheimer's
disease (AD) information and ... www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/ - 21k - More results from www.nia.nih.gov » |
However, it turns out that they may have been the
truth. In 1994, former President Ronald Reagan
announced that he had Alzheimer's disease (AD). faculty.washington.edu/chudler/alz.html - 21k - |