Alz·hei·mer's: progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. It is the most common cause of premature senility.
The Alzheimer's Association was founded by Jerome H. Stone with the help of several family members in Chicago, Illinois and incorporated in April 10, 1980 as the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders.
 (Wikipedia)
Alzheimer's disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, but recent estimates indicate that the disorder may rank third, just behind heart disease and cancer, as a cause of death for older people. (National Institute of aging)
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. At first, someone with Alzheimer's disease may notice mild confusion and difficulty remembering. Eventually, people with the disease may even forget important people in their lives and undergo dramatic personality changes.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a group of brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills. In Alzheimer's disease, the brain cells degenerate and die, causing a steady decline in memory and mental function.
Current Alzheimer's disease medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. This can sometimes help people with Alzheimer's disease maximize function and maintain independence for a little while longer. But because there's no cure for Alzheimer's disease, it's important to seek supportive services and tap into your support network as early as possible. (Mayo Clinic)

Causes

Like all types of dementia, Alzheimer's is caused by brain cell death. It is a neurodegenerative disease, which means there is progressive brain cell death that happens over time. 

In a person with Alzheimer's, the tissue has fewer and fewer nerve cells and connections. Autopsies have shown that the nerve tissue in the brain of a person with Alzheimer's has tiny deposits, known as plaques and tangles, that build up on the tissue.  The plaques are found between the dying brain cells, and they are made from a protein known as beta-amyloid.

The tangles occur within the nerve cells, and they are made from another protein, called tau.  Researchers do not fully understand why these changes occur. Several different factors are believed to be involved.

Risk Factors

Unavoidable risk factors for developing the condition include:
  • aging
  • a family history of Alzheimer's
  • carrying certain genes
 Modifiable factors that may help prevent Alzheimer's include:

  • getting regular exercise
  • maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system
  • managing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure
  • following a varied and healthful diet
  • participating in lifelong learning and cognitive training
Some studies suggest that staying mentally and socially engaged may possibly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. (Medical News Today)

Symptoms

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease often come on slowly. It might start when someone has trouble recalling things that just happened or putting thoughts into words. But over time, the problems get worse. People in the later stages of the disease usually can’t live alone or care for themselves.
There are three main phases of Alzheimer's: mild, moderate, and severe.Each stage has its own set of symptoms.
 Mild Alzheimer's
The first stage usually lasts from 2 to 4 years. The symptoms include:
  • Having less energy
  • Less interest in work and social activities and spending more time just sitting, watching TV, or sleeping
  • Loss of recent memories, like forgetting conversations and events that just happened
  • Language problems, like trouble putting their thoughts into words or understanding others
  • Mild coordination problems, such as trouble writing or using familiar objects
  • A hard time with everyday tasks, such as following a recipe or balancing checkbook
  • Mood swings that involve depression or lack of interest
  • Trouble with driving, like getting lost on familiar routes (WebMD)

 Moderate Alzheimer's
This is when memory loss gets worse and starts to cause problems in daily life. This stage can last from 2 to 10 years. 

Someone with moderate Alzheimer's may start to forget details about his life, like where he went to high school or when he got married. He may not recognize or remember family members and friends. He might also forget where he leaves things and can’t retrace his steps to find them.
Other symptoms at this stage can include:
  • Rambling speech
  • Trouble coming up with the right words and using the wrong ones
  • A hard time planning or solving problems
  • Confusion about time or place. He may get lost in places he’s been before. Once he’s there, he may not know how or why he got to that place.
  • Not dressing for the weather
  • Getting angry or upset easily, sometimes lashing out at family or caregivers
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Wandering
  • Delusions, such as thinking a caregiver is trying to hurt him
Some people with moderate Alzheimer’s also become more aware that they’re losing control of their lives, which can make them even more frustrated or depressed. (WebMD)
 Severe Alzheimer's
The third stage, also known as late Alzheimer's, is the most severe. It typically lasts 1 to 3 years.

People in this phase might have some or all of these symptoms:
  • Major confusion about what’s in the past and what’s happening now
  • Can’t express themselves, remember, or process information
  • Problems with swallowing and control of their bladder and bowels
  • Weight loss, seizures, skin infections, and other illnesses
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t really there, called hallucinations
  • Can’t move easily on their own

Treatment

There is no known cure for Alzheimer's. The death of brain cells cannot be reversed. However, there are therapeutic interventions that can make it easier for people to live with the disease.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, the following are important elements of dementia care:
  • effective management of any conditions occurring alongside the Alzheimer's
  • activities and day-care programs
  • involvement of support groups and services
Please visit the Alzheimer's website for additional information or to make a donation.
Click here for Alz.org
*References by WEbMD, Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Aging, Medical News Today