Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease (named for Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist), a neurodegenerative disease, is characterized clinically by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia. The most striking early symptom is memory loss (amnesia), usually manifests as minor forgetfulness that becomes steadily more pronounced with illness progression, with relative preservation of older memories. As the disorder progresses, cognitive (intellectual) impairment extends to the domains of language (aphasia), skilled movements (apraxia), recognition (agnosia) and those functions (such as decision-making and planning) closely related to the frontal lobe of the brain. The disease causes cell loss and the deposition of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Genetic factors are known to be important, and it is believed that lifestyle and nutrition can play an important role in prevention and management of the disease.
For further information:- The American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) maintains sites publishing information in Alzheimer research and providing family and caretaker relief.
- The Alzheimer Research Forum facilitates research in fulfillment of their motto "networking for a cure."
- The Alzheimer’s Association is celebrating 25 years of leadership in progress towards and hope for a world without Alzheimer’s.
- Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Online is a site sponsored by the University of Florida and offers a multitude of support topics for families and caregivers.
Last modified: 2006-10-18
