What Is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive, terminal brain disorder that has no known cause or cure. It affects people’s memories, but it involves far more than simple forgetfulness. It is still not known why Alzheimer’s disease affects some people and not others. Researchers worldwide are searching for its causes and ways to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure it. Learn about the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, treatments, prevention techniques, and ways to care for yourself or a loved one.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s steals the minds of its victims.
It takes a toll on families who provide the majority of caregiving. About 7 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias are cared for at home. Caregiving can be difficult—family and other unpaid caregivers may experience high levels of emotional stress and depression.
Indicators
Signs & Symptoms
Many people experience mild forgetfulness or memory delays, which are part of the normal aging process. We all have occasional difficulty remembering a word or someone’s name. Someone with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, however, will find such symptoms becoming more frequent and severe.
Memory loss
Any of us could forget where we placed our car keys. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may place the keys in an unusual spot, like the refrigerator.
Confusion
Alzheimer’s can cause confusion, such as not even remembering the purpose of car keys in the first place.
Cognitive problems
This can include mood conditions such as depression, anxiety, irritability, apathy, and poor performance on cognitive tests.
Inability to care for oneself
The inability to communicate or care for oneself usually occurs at a later stage, and those affected generally become more unresponsive.
Neurodegeneration
How Alzheimer’s Affects The Brain
Risks & Prevention
Who is at Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s?
While there are many theories about what causes this disease, there is still no definitive answer.
However, there are some general risk factors to keep in mind, including:
- Diminished blood flow
- Excess accumulation of abnormal brain proteins
- Toxins
- Brain injury
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Malnutrition
Browse other potential risk factors and how to lower your risk.
By The Numbers
Facts & Figures
More than 7 million
Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease.
1 in 3
seniors die with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
13 million
people aged 65 and older are projected to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias by 2050 unless scientists develop new approaches to prevent or cure it.
Program Impact
The need for a cure is more urgent than ever.
Unless scientists can unlock the secrets of this disease, the number of cases is expected to triple by the year 2050. This epidemic could overwhelm our healthcare system.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research has funded more than $180 million in research grants since inception.
By providing initial funding for highly innovative, experimental research and creative ideas, we spark revolutionary approaches and life-saving breakthroughs for this disease. We are currently supporting 112 active scientific projects worldwide.
Resources
Recent Resources & Information
The Next Generation of Alzheimer’s Treatments
Join behavioral neurologist Dr. Marwan Sabbagh for an in-depth discussion about emerging Alzheimer’s therapeutics now in late-stage clinical development.
Why Some Brains Stay Sharp With Age
Learn how cognitive reserve can make some people more resistant to memory decline.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease affects people’s memories, but it involves far more than simple forgetfulness. Learn more about this devastating disease.
FDA-Approved Alzheimer’s Therapies Infographic
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, certain treatments can help control or delay its symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Talk to your physician to see if these medications are right for you.
The Gut Microbiome and Alzheimer’s Disease: Understanding the Connection
Join Dr. Beau Ances of Washington University in St. Louis to learn about the emerging science linking gut health and brain health.
“Help the One You Can”
Meet Mel and Irene Sahyun, donors to BrightFocus’ Alzheimer’s Disease Research program.
U.S. POINTER Study Update: Lifestyle Program Significantly Improves Cognition in Older Adults
Can everyday lifestyle choices really protect your memory? Dr. Laura Baker, professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, will share results from the groundbreaking U.S. POINTER trial—the largest study of its kind to test how lifestyle changes impact brain health.
Can GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Treat Alzheimer’s?
Recent research suggests that GLP 1 analogs—a class of drugs used to control blood sugar—may also protect brain health, improve memory, and slow neurodegeneration.
Help Fund Groundbreaking Alzheimer’s Research
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions, and your donation can make a difference. By supporting research, you help bring us closer to a cure and provide essential information to those affected by this devastating disease.
