brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Alzheimer Disease
Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a progressive loss of mental function, characterized by degeneration of brain tissue, including loss of nerve cells, the accumulation of an abnormal protein called beta-amyloid, and the development of neurofibrillary tangles. Forgetting recent events is an early sign, followed by increasing confusion, impairment of other mental functions, and problems using and understanding language and doing daily tasks. Symptoms progress so that people cannot function, causing them to become totally dependent on others. Doctors base the diagnosis on symptoms and results of a physical examination, mental status tests, blood tests, and imaging tests. Treatment involves strategies to prolong functioning as long as possible and may include medications that may slow the progression of the disease. How long people live cannot be predicted, but death occurs, on average, about 7 years after the diagnosis is made. (See also Overview of Delirium and Dementia and Alzheimer disease is a type of Dementia , which is a slow, progressive decline in mental function including memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to learn. In 60 to 80% of older people with dementia, Alzheimer disease is the cause. It is rare among people younger than 65. It becomes more common with increasing age. In the United States, an estimated 10% of people aged 65 and over have Alzheimer disease. The percentage of people with Alzheimer disease increases with age: Age 65 to 74: 3% Age 75 to 84: 17% Age 85 and over: 32% Alzheimer disease affects more women than men, partly because women live longer. The number of people with Alzheimer disease is expected to greatly increase as the proportion of older people increases. 