What is Alzheimer’s?
It’s the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities that’s serious enough to interfere with everyday life. It accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.
It’s NOT A Normal Part of Aging
Although the greatest risk factor is increasing age, the majority of people with this illness is 65 and older. Up to 5% of the population in their 40’s and 50’s can have early onset Alzheimer’s. It’s important to know the risk factors.
Alzheimer’s Worsens Over Time
It’s a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s memory loss is mild. In the late stages is when individuals lose their ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of death in the U.S. The average life span is eight years after symptoms become noticeable to others. The survival rate can range from four to 20 years, depending on age and other health conditions.
There’s No Cure But There’s Hope
As it stands, there is no cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. There are no treatments that can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve the quality of life for those who have the disease and their caregivers. Today there is a global effort to find better ways to treat Alzheimer’s, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.
For more information about Alzheimer’s, symptoms, risk factors, research and how you can help go to www.alz.org.
