Alzheimer's disease (AD), also called Alzheimer disease, senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT), primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer's type(PDDAT), or simply Alzheimer's, is the most common form of dementia. This incurable, degenerative, and terminal disease was first described by German psychiatrist and neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906 and was named after him. Most often, it is diagnosed in people over 65 years of age, although the less-prevalent early-onset Alzheimer'scan occur much earlier. In 2006, there were 26.6 million sufferers worldwide. Alzheimer's is predicted to affect 1 in 85 people globally by 2050. Although the course of Alzheimer's disease is unique for every individual, there are many common symptoms. The earliest observable symptoms are often mistakenly thought to be 'age-related' concerns, or manifestations of stress. In the early stages, the most commonly recognised symptom is inability to acquire new memories, such as difficulty in recalling recently observed facts. When AD is suspected, the diagnosis is usually confirmed with behavioural assessments and cognitive tests, often followed by a brain scan if available. As the disease advances, symptoms include confusion, irritability and aggression, mood swings, language breakdown, long-term memory loss, and the general withdrawal of the sufferer as their senses decline. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Individual prognosis is difficult to assess, as the duration of the disease varies. AD develops for an indeterminate period of time before becoming fully apparent, and it can progress undiagnosed for years. The mean life expectancy following diagnosis is approximately seven years.Fewer than three percent of individuals live more than fourteen years after diagnosis.
Articles About Alzheimer's Disease
New Target for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
By Health Canal
Researchers have found new evidence that insulating cells, the cells that protect our nerves, can be made and added to the central nervous system throughout our lifetime. (Mar 18)
MORE TOPICS: UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN, AUSTRALIA
Alzheimer’s ‘Gene’ Provides Hope of Cure
By IBTimes UK
Gene that increases risk of Alzheimer’s identified by California scientists. (Mar 08)
MORE TOPICS: CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
Alzheimer’s Disease: Govt. Gives $50 Million Funding Boost as Study Questions Diagnosis
By IBTimes
As the Obama administration approves $50 million more in funding towards Alzheimer's research, a paper calls into question the criteria for diagnosis. (Feb 08, 2012)
Spinal Fluid Marker May Identify Alzheimer's Disease Earlier
By Medical Daily
Researchers have found levels of specific components of the cerebrospinal fluid were reduced in patients with mild cognitive impairment who later developed Alzheimer disease, compared with others patients with MCI who did not develop Alzheimer's. (Jan 18, 2012)
Alzheimer’s Patients Get More Benefits from Cataract Surgery
By IBTimes AU
Who would have thought that just by having cataract surgery, patients with Alzheimer's would not only improve their vision, but also their lives? (Oct 26, 2011)
TV Evangelist Pat Robertson Justifies Divorce with partner with Alzheimer
By IBTimes AU
TV evangelist Pat Robertson told 700 Club viewers that divorcing a partner with Alzheimer's disease is justifiable because the ailment is considered "a kind of death," AP reports. (Sep 26, 2011)
MORE TOPICS: MICHIGAN
Diabetes Linked to Increased Dementia Risk
By IBTimes
A Japanese study concluded that individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia later in life. (Sep 20, 2011)
MORE TOPICS: JAPAN
Quick Squirt of Nasal Spray could Slow Pace of Alzheimer's Disease: Study
By IBTimes
A daily dosage of insulin nasal spray has had a positive impact on improving the memory of moderate Alzheimer's sufferers; a new pilot study has shown. (Sep 13, 2011)
MORE TOPICS: NEW YORK
Dementia Risk Decreases With Moderate Alcohol Drinking
By IBTimes
Go ahead and drink that glass of wine, as new research shows that moderate social drinking reduces the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine conducted an analysis of 143 studies... (Aug 19, 2011)
Alzheimer, Second Biggest Health Concern After Cancer Now
By IBTimes
Australian researchers report that they are stepping closure in their long-sought goal: a blood test for the early detection of the Alzheimer’s disease among the people. (Jul 22, 2011)
