What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common disorder in a group of illnesses known as dementia. AD usually occurs in elderly people (65 years and older) and it progressively affects a person’s memory, thought processes and behaviour. It is estimated that one out of every ten people over the age of 85 has AD.

Unlike the typical forgetfulness of old age, AD is a distinct disease that can be diagnosed by a doctor using various physiological and cognitive tests, as well as brain imaging techniques. The disease process of AD causes cell damage and eventually cell death in the parts of the brain that control memory, thought and language. As more brain cells become affected, more symptoms appear, which is why AD is called a progressive illness. The first stages of AD are typically marked by memory loss and then, as the disease progresses, changes in behaviour and deterioration in functioning are also observed.