What is Alzheimer’s disease?
March 7 2012Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, affecting around 496,000 people in the UK. This Alzheimer’s Society factsheet outlines the symptoms and risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, and describes what treatments are currently available.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means that gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. As this happens, the symptoms become more severe.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease people may experience memory loss and have problems finding the right words.
In the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease people may become confused, experience frequent memory loss and have difficulty carrying out everyday activities. People may also experience changes in their emotions and feelings. They can also become more withdrawn, due either to a loss of confidence or to communication problems.
Download the Alzheimer’s Society factsheet What is Alzheimer’s disease?
