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
People also ask
What is the life expectancy of a person with Alzheimer's?
The average life expectancy figures for the most common types of dementia are as follows: Alzheimer's disease – around eight to 10 years. Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years.
What is the average age of Alzheimer's patients?
Most people with Alzheimer's are age 65 and older. About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older in the United States has Alzheimer's disease. About 110 of every 100,000 adults between ages 30 and 64 have young-onset Alzheimer's.
Can you lead a normal life with Alzheimer's?
Many people with early-stage dementia continue to manage their everyday activities. But it's important to look ahead to a time when performing daily tasks will be harder. The sooner you adopt new strategies to help you cope with changes, the more time you will have to adjust to them.
What are 5 symptoms of Alzheimer's?
Stages of Alzheimer's disease
forget about recent conversations or events.
misplace items.
forget the names of places and objects.
have trouble thinking of the right word.
ask questions repetitively.
show poor judgement or find it harder to make decisions.
become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things.
Alzheimer's Association national site – information on Alzheimer's disease and dementia symptoms, diagnosis, stages, treatment, care and support resources.