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Health Conditions
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Alzheimer's Disease
What is it?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive illness that kills nerve cells and destroys nerve connections in the brain. The disease is marked by mental changes resulting from damage in the brain tissue. Because these changes cannot be visualized until autopsy, diagnosis for the disease is based on symptoms that patients have. Symptoms include gradual loss of awareness, memory, and judgment as well as mood and behavioral disturbances. The lifespan of an Alzheimer's disease victim is generally reduced, although a person may live anywhere from 3 to 20 years after diagnosis. The disease is not reversible, and currently there is no cure. However, drug therapy has been shown to slow the progression of the disease, and there are several options to treat the symptoms.
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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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What is it?
