(älts¹hì-merz), degenerative disease of the brain cells producing loss of memory and general intellectual impairment. It usually affects people over age 65, although it can appear earlier, especially in some familial forms of the disease. As the disease progresses, a variety of symptoms may become apparent, including confusion, irritability, and restlessness, as well as disorientation and impaired judgment and concentration. The cause is unknown, although there appears to be a genetic component; the excessive beta amyloid proteins and the traces of aluminum found in the brains of victims are being studied as possible contributors. There is no cure, but the drug tacrine provides temporary improvement for some patients. 1
i.e., senile dementia of the Alzheimer’s type) A syndrome of global cognitive decline characterized by gradual onset, impaired memory, and one or more disturbances in cognitive functioning, including language disturbance, impaired capacity to perform learned behaviors (apraxia), loss of capacity to recognize familiar objects or people (agnosia), or disturbance of executive functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed only when other identifiable causes of dementia have been excluded.
is an extremely debilitating condition characterized by progressive impairment of overall mental function and including dementia. Scientific research has linked Alzheimer’s disease, which usually occurs later in life, to dying brain cells. www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic%5Ftext/health/alzheim/alzheim.htm
A condition which affects the brain and may result in loss of memory, mood swings, speech imbalance, confusion/hallucinations and incontinence. Advanced stages of this disease generally require 24-hour care. Dementia – brain disorders that obstruct and diminish cognitive performance such as memory, judgment, personality and social function.
A progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions such as memory and learning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.