Definition: A progressive, degenerative disease of the brain that leads to dementia. Many think that Alzheimer's disease and dementia are the same thing, but Alzheimer's is actually the most common cause of dementia. While everyone who has Alzheimer's develops dementia, not everyone who develops dementia has Alzheimer's disease.
Pronunciation: AHLZ-high-merz
Also Known As: Alzheimer's disease is often shortened to "Alzheimer's."
