Facts about Alzheimer's

What is Alzheimer's disease? (The sixth leading cause of death in the US)

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. A new survey from the Alzheimer’s Association finds that Alzheimer’s disease is grossly misunderstood and underestimated. Nearly 60 percent of people worldwide wrongly believe that Alzheimer’s is part of the natural process of aging. Just as concerning, 40 percent of people think Alzheimer’s is not fatal (it is).

Treatment

Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. The only thing a family can really do is help the affected loved one with tasks.

Microscopic changes in the brain begin long before the first signs of memory loss.

A lot of people believe Alzheimer's just affects memory. Other symptoms include confusion, disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place, wondering, unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers; more serious memory loss and behavior changes; and difficulty speaking, swallowing and walking.

Not just for old people

Early onset Alzheimer's affects people younger than age 65. Up to 5 percent of the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s have younger-onset. They have families, careers and other major responsibilities that are affected by the disease. At some point they have to stop working.

On the rise

Last year, there were 44.4 million people across the globe with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). That number could hit 135.5 million by 2050, and much of that growth will be found in developing countries.