A Description of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is a fatal brain disorder that was first described in 1906 by the German physician, Alois Alzheimer. Researchers are working to develop a cure and to find new treatments to improve the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients.
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Features
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Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that destroys brain cells. It is the most common cause of dementia, a condition where problems with thought processes and memory become severe enough to affect day-to-day life.
Treatment
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Today there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but medications have been developed to treat symptoms and slow down the rate of decline.
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Significance
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According to the Alzheimer's Association, an estimated 5.3 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer's. It is the seventh-leading cause of death.
Misconceptions
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It is a common misconception that Alzheimer's and memory loss are a part of the normal aging process.
Prognosis
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The average life expectancy for Alzheimer's disease patients is eight to 10 years after being diagnosed. However, this fatal illness can linger for as long as 20.
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References
- Photo Credit Betty3 by JustinsPhotos
