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Alzheimer's Basics

Knowledge is power. Learn about the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, the prevalence of Alzheimer's, and its possible causes and risk factors. While there's no guarantee that a person will not get Alzheimer's, understanding the disease is the best way to reduce your risk and cope with it effectively if it affects your family.
Age Related Macular Degeneration and Alzheimer's Disease
It's long been thought that there may be a link between Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) and Alzheimer's disease.
What is Alzheimer's?
What's the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia? Can other disorders mimic Alzheimer's? How many people have Alzheimer's, and how much does it cost families? Learn the basics about this complicated disease.
What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?
While scientists are still trying to determine what causes Alzheimer's, they have pinpointed several factors that increase a person's risk for developing the disease. Understanding how plaques and tangles, age, family history, and lifestyle affect risk can empower people to accept the factors they cannot change and make adjustments in the areas over which they do have control.
Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease
Diabetes, a disease in which the body fails to produce or properly use insulin, and Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease of the brain, are two of our most complex and widespread health problems. Interestingly, research is showing how diabetes and Alzheimer's disease may be related.
Alzheimer's Risk Factors
Are there Alzheimer's risk factors that influence who gets Alzheimer's disease and why? Research has revealed important Alzheimer's risk factors -- some preventable, others not -- that affect one's chances of developing the disease.
Myths and Realities of Alzheimer's Disease
About 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease today. Though scientists have learned much about the illness, many questions remain about the causes, progression, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Myths only add to the fear of Alzheimer's. Get the truth about Alzheimer's disease here.
What's the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Normal Age-Related Memory Loss?
Is there a difference between Alzheimer's disease and normal age-related memory loss? While people do experience minor changes in their memory and thinking as they age, these changes don't affect daily functioning or the ability to live independently. Learn about the differences between normal age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Years ago, memory loss was considered to simply be an inevitable part of aging. Today, however, we know that memory loss once considered normal now may be an early sign of disease, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Learn more about mild cognitive impairment and memory loss in aging adults.
Is Depression a Risk Factor for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Depression and Alzheimer's disease share a complex relationship. Depression can include symptoms that look like Alzheimer's; depression and Alzheimer's disease can also occur simultaneously. Researchers are now looking at a third way that depression and Alzheimer's may be related: They want to know whether depression is a risk factor for the disease.
Prognosis for People With Alzheimer's Disease
Although there's no cure for Alzheimer's, there's often confusion about whether it's a fatal disease. Learn about the prognosis for someone who's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Types of Dementia
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia -– in fact, almost two-thirds of dementia cases are due to Alzheimer's disease. However, a host of other conditions can also cause dementia, including the 10 described here.
Reversible Conditions That Look Like Alzheimer's
If you think your loved one may have Alzheimer's, it's important to obtain an accurate diagnosis because the cause may be a reversible disorder. Learn about reversible medical conditions that can look like Alzheimer's, such as pseudodementia, thyroid problems, dehydration, malnutrition, infections, and medication problems.
Late-Stage Alzheimer's Disease -- An Overview
Late-stage Alzheimer's is a time of slowing down compared to earlier stages, when behavioral symptoms are more prominent. Still, it's important to know about late-stage symptoms and how to provide optimal care in regard to late-stage nutrition, bowel and bladder issues, immobility, infections and illnesses, and pain and comfort.
Inside the Brain: An Interactive Tour
Have you ever wondered how the brain works or how Alzheimer's disease affects different parts of the brain? The Alzheimer's Association developed this interactive tool to demonstrate brain mechanics and to show how brain functioning is challenged when affected by Alzheimer's.
Dementia: Hope Through Research
While Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, many other types of dementia create similar symptoms and challenges. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides a thorough review of the different dementias and how each kind affects the brain.
Explore Alzheimer's Disease
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