Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with your memory, thinking, logical reasoning, and behavior. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, with as many as 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s today. For more facts and figures, see the video at this website: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_and_figures.asp
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder that attack’s the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, and results in memory loss, behavioral changes, and loss of thinking and language skills. The neurons in your brain are all interconnected, and they fire every few seconds to give off a charge which keeps your brain active. In Alzheimer’s disease, these neurons get tangled up and clogged with sticky protein plaques to the point that they can no longer fire a charge. When a neuron cannot function properly, it dies out. As more and more neurons die out those areas of the brain wear down, resulting in the lost memory and functioning. This is typically a very slow process, one that takes years for the condition to fully develop.
For greater detailed information on the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, changes in the brain, protein plaques, and more please visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_1973.asp