What is Alzheimer's Disease?

No one wants to have a loved one experience Alzheimer’s disease or develop the condition. According to the National Institute of Aging, it is the most common form of dementia among older people. It’s believed as many as 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or AD. Because early symptoms include forgetfulness and loss of concentration, it might be dismissed as a natural part of aging. But AD is not a normal part of aging. Researchers know there are abnormal clumps called amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Additional symptoms include: memory loss, problems with language, impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual information, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings. AD usually appears after age 60 and risk does go up with age. The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years after age 65. Besides age, family history and a certain type of gene have been identified as risk factors. As of right now, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease but research is ongoing. And for some people in the early or middle stages of AD, medication can help relieve some symptoms. Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or share your story or experience with icyou.