Alzheimer's Association national site – get information on Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms, causes, treatment and care. Join the fight to end ALZ. Overview Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Understanding the Context

Alzheimer's disease is the biological process that begins with the appearance of a buildup of proteins in the form of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. This causes brain cells to die over time and the brain to shrink. The course of Alzheimer's is generally described in three stages, with a progressive pattern of cognitive and functional impairment. [33][27] The three stages are described as early or mild, middle or moderate, and late or severe.

Key Insights

[33] The disease is known to target the hippocampus, which is associated with memory, and this is responsible for the first symptoms of memory impairment. As the ... Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior - learn about causes, symptoms, tests, stages, treatments and more. Alzheimer’s is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to such an extent that it interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.

Final Thoughts

Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest ... Alzheimer's Basics Learn about signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and who is affected. This article describes the public health impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD), including prevalence and incidence, mortality and morbidity, use and costs of care, and the ramifications of AD for family caregivers, the dementia workforce, and society. ...