Worldwide, 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Alzheimer’s disease does not discriminate amongst those affected, and as we get older, our risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other dementias grows. Learn the facts and get more information about this disease.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It makes up 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging — it’s a progressive brain disease, meaning it gets worse over time. Alzheimer’s disease causes brain cells to degenerate. Two abnormal brain structures called plaques and tangles are the main features of Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques are clumps of protein fragments that accumulate outside of cells in the brain. Neurofibrillary tangles are clumps of altered proteins inside cells. These abnormalities cause a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that interfere with normal day-to-day abilities.
What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Problems communicating
- Difficulty doing ordinary activities
- Misunderstandings of time or place
- Feeling confused or frustrated (especially at night)
- Intense mood swings
- Inability to make decisions
- Feeling disoriented or getting lost easily
- Not able to focus
Risk Factors Related to Alzheimer’s Disease
Scientists have identified certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s is age. After age 65, a person’s risk of developing the disease doubles every five years. Researchers have also learned that people who have a parent, brother or sister with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop it than those who do not. The risk increases if more than one family member has the disease.
