Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys a person’s memory, as well as other important mental functions.
In the US alone more than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease. That’s one in every nine people over the age of 65. Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, only medications that may help control the symptoms.
After 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s doubles every 5 years, however it’s possible to develop it earlier than 65. Some people who carry one or more of several rare genes, can develop symptoms anywhere between their 30‘s and their 50‘s.
The most common symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering newly learned information. This is because it often begins affecting the part of the brain that is in charge of learning. As it advances, Alzheimer’s can cause more severe symptoms such as disorientation, mood and behavioral changes, confusion about time, events, and places, and newfound or intense suspicions about family, friends, and care givers.
Often people who have Alzheimer’s won’t be able to recognize that they possess the symptoms. It’s often easier for family and friends to identify the symptoms and then help accordingly.
Written By Tori Stubbs