Alzheimer's disease
Also called: senile dementia
A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions.
- Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging not required
- Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions.
Very common: More than 3 million US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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Alzheimer's disease is caused by parts of the brain shrinking (atrophy), which affects the structure and function of particular brain areas.
What Causes Alzheimer's? · Age-related changes in the brain, like shrinking, inflammation, blood vessel damage, and breakdown of energy within cells, which may ...