Symptoms

Memory loss
confusion
personality change
apathy
lack of balance

What To Expect

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are some treatments that can aid in the day-to-day life of someone with Alzheimer's. Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, which help improve cognitive symptoms, are available. Non-pharmaceutical options include cognitive stimulation and herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, Sage, and Ashwagandha.

Made Worse By

Certain factors can contribute to the worsening of the disease. Examples are age over 65, genetic factors such as genetic mutations, cardiovascular health problems such as hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes, untreated stress, lack of sleep or sleep apnea, social isolation, and sedentarism.

How Common

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is estimated that over 6 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease.

Diagnosed By

Doctors diagnose the condition based on current symptoms, physical examination, medical and family history, cognitive testing (language skills, memory tests), neurological exams (reflexes, coordination, and balance), and brain imagining (MRI or CT scans) or biomarkers (PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid tests).