Alzheimer's Association
Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. We provide services to those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias; advocate for policy change and research funding; and advance research toward prevention, treatment and cure.
Question
Question
Is it true that only older people can get Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer's can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer's. It is estimated that there... Alzheimer's can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called younger-onset Alzheimer's. It is estimated that there are as many as 5.4 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. This includes 5.2 million people age 65 and over and 200,000 people under age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Reproduced with permission from the Alzheimer’s Association. © 2012 Alzheimer’s Association. see more
Reproduced with permission from the Alzheimer’s Association. © 2012 Alzheimer’s Association. see more
Question
Is Alzheimer’s disease is fatal?
Alzheimer's disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions.... Alzheimer's disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person's identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.
Reproduced with permission from the Alzheimer’s Association. © 2012 Alzheimer’s Association. see more
Reproduced with permission from the Alzheimer’s Association. © 2012 Alzheimer’s Association. see more
Question
Is memory loss a natural part of aging?
As people age, it's normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of a person you've recently met.... As people age, it's normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of a person you've recently met. However, Alzheimer's is more than occasional memory loss. It's a disease that causes brain cells to malfunction and ultimately die. When this happens, an individual may forget the name of a longtime friend or what roads to take to return to a home they've lived in for decades.
It can be difficult to tell normal memory problems from memory problems that should be a cause for concern. The Alzheimer's Association has developed information to help you tell the difference. If you or a loved one has memory problems or other problems with thinking and learning that concern you, contact a physician. Sometimes the problems are caused by medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies or other conditions and can be reversed with treatment.
Reproduced with permission from the Alzheimer’s Association. © 2012 Alzheimer’s Association. see more
It can be difficult to tell normal memory problems from memory problems that should be a cause for concern. The Alzheimer's Association has developed information to help you tell the difference. If you or a loved one has memory problems or other problems with thinking and learning that concern you, contact a physician. Sometimes the problems are caused by medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies or other conditions and can be reversed with treatment.
Reproduced with permission from the Alzheimer’s Association. © 2012 Alzheimer’s Association. see more
Are there treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease?
Reproduced with permission from the Alzheimer’s Association. © 2012 Alzheimer’s Association. see more