Alzheimer’s is an irreversible, progressive disease of the brain that slowly destroys memory and causes problems with thinking and behavior. Eventually nearly all mental functions will fail, a similar symptom to those suffering from multiple small strokes and severe alcoholism.

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older people, although it is not a normal part of aging. Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life and activities. Symptoms first appear after age 60 in the majority of people with Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German doctor, who in 1906, discovered changes in the brain tissue of a woman (Auguste Deter) who had died of an unusual mental illness. He found abnormal clumps (now called amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (now called neurofibrillary tangles).

Today, these plaques and tangles in the brain are considered hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. The third main feature of Alzheimer’s is the gradual loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. This loss leads to diminished cell function and cell death.

Deterioration in Alzheimer’s appears to be driven by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles at different stages of the disease. The significant increase in amyloid plaques, but not neurofibrillary tangles in patients with even mild Alzheimer’s at death compared with normal subjects suggests that only amyloid plaques are associated with the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Scientists believe that damage to the brain in Alzheimer’s patients begins as many as 10 to 20 years before any obvious signs of memory problems appear.

As nerve cells die throughout the brain, affected regions begin to shrink. By the final stage of Alzheimer’s, damage is widespread, and brain tissue has shrunk significantly.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, and although new treatments are on the horizon as a result of recent research, current treatments can only slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and help manage its symptoms in some people. More information on natural remedies for helping to prevent Alzheimer's and also to to treat the disease: Treating and Preventing Alzheimer's Naturally 

Recent research suggests that healthy lifestyle could help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. These include controlling blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels, exercising both body and mind, eating a brain-healthy diet that is low in fat and includes fruits and vegetables, and staying socially active. More on lifestyle factors here: Fast Food is Possible Risk Factor for Alzheimer's and here: What You Eat May Reduce or Increase Your Risk of Alzheimer’s  and here: Exercise Reduces Risk of Alzheimer's


In 2009, it is estimated that there are as many as 5.3 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. This includes 5.1 million people age 65 and over and 200,000 people under age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. By 2010, there will be nearly a half million new cases of Alzheimer’s each year and by 2050, there will be nearly a million new cases annually. More Alzheimer's statistics: 2009 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures

The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a checklist of common symptoms to help recognize the warning signs of Alzheimer’s.