Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder. It's the leading cause of dementia among people over 65, but some forms of it develop in younger people. Alzheimer's develops over time, causing memory loss, confusion and, eventually, the inability to make decisions, care for oneself, recognize loved ones and even speak. There's no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are ways to help prevent it.

It can be easy to panic when you (or someone you love) forget to pay the phone bill or can't remember the name of a favorite restaurant, but such simple (and normal!) slip-ups don't mean the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The warning signs of this brain disorder are more severe: memory lapses that make it hard to complete simple tasks, such as making toast or finding the way to the supermarket.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. All of these prescription medications work by affecting particular chemicals in the brain and offer modest improvement in memory and cognitive function in some people with Alzheimer's. 

A condition that affects 5.4 million Americans, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The disease takes a physical, emotional and financial toll on the person who suffers from it as well as their family and friends. Meet the Top 10 Online Influencers sharing information, support and answers to Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers alike. 

Many people with Alzheimer's disease are cared for by unpaid family members -- mostly women -- who spend an average of 22 hours per week on the "job." Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can take a toll, and caregivers often need support from others.