robs millions of older people of their memories and independence. In the past few years, medicines have helped improve the lives of patients. Further advances could help keep patients out of hospitals and nursing homes and make life easier for them and their families.
Disease: Alzheimer's disease
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ: What is it?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder. Protein deposited in and around brain cells prevents them from working, brain tissue is lost and, in advanced cases, the brain actually shrinks.
Alzheimer's accounts for 55% of all cases of dementia, and results in patients exhibiting a variety of distressing symptoms including short-term memory loss, poor concentration, difficulty in finding words and understanding other people, difficulty in understanding where they are, mood changes and emotional upsets. Ultimately, the personality is lost and dependency results.
Alzheimer's accounts for 55% of all cases of dementia, and results in patients exhibiting a variety of distressing symptoms including short-term memory loss, poor concentration, difficulty in finding words and understanding other people, difficulty in understanding where they are, mood changes and emotional upsets. Ultimately, the personality is lost and dependency results.