WHAT IS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?

Alzheimer Disease is the leading cause of dementia -- a set of symptoms that includes loss of memory, judgment and reasoning, and changes in mood and behaviour.

Alzheimer Disease gradually destroys vital nerve cells in the brain. It is not a normal part of aging.

Doctors describe Alzheimer Disease as a "progressive, degenerative, irreversible dementia." This is another way to say that:

• the amount of damage done by the disease increases over time
• the nerve cells in the brain degenerate or break down
• damage done to the brain cells can't be repaired -- there is no known cure for this disease

Each person is affected differently.

Some facts

• Alzheimer Disease is the most common type of dementia, often called senility in the past, and accounts for 64 per cent of all dementias.
• Alzheimer Disease can strike at any age. The majority of people affected are over age 65. The term "early onset" may be used to describe those under 65 who are diagnosed with the disease.
• There are two types of Alzheimer Disease:
  • sporadic, which can strike adults at any age, but usually occurs after age 65
  • familial autosomal dominant Alzheimer Disease (FAD), which runs in certain families
• There is no known cause or cure for the disease, but researchers around the world are working to find them.
• There are things that can help. Medication is available to treat some of the symptoms. Support services and education materials and programs help to enhance the quality of life of both the person with the disease and her family.