Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease - also known as Alzheimer disease - is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive and degenerative disease that eventually leads to death, and there is currently no known cure. It is best known for its effect of causing a marked decline in the cognitive and memory functions of individuals.

Alzheimer's disease is most often diagnosed in people aged over 65 years of age, although early-onset Alzheimer's can occur much earlier. It is predicted that by 2050, 1 in 85 people will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. There are concerns in many countries that current infrastructure will not be adequate enough to deal with increasing numbers of Alzheimer's sufferers.

Very little is known about the cause and progression of Alzheimer's disease, although it is believed that plagues and tangles in the brain may be partially responsible for the condition. Research is ongoing, and there are more than 1000 clinical trials that have been or are being conducted to find a way to treat the disease, but it is currently not known if any of the developer treatments will work.