Alzheimer association what is alzheimer

It is caused by damage to brain cells that affects their ability to communicate, which can affect thinking, behavior and feelings. Take our free e-learning course Our course, Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia, outlines the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, symptoms, stages, risk factors and more.

It leads to dementia symptoms that gradually worsen over time. Eventually, speaking, swallowing and walking become difficult.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease. Donate Now. Take the Brain Tour. Almost two-thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's are women. Older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites.

Older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have Alzheimer's or other dementias as older Whites. As the number of older Americans grows rapidly, so too will the number of new and existing cases of Alzheimer's.

Join the Cause. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Although deaths from other major causes have decreased significantly, official records indicate that deaths from Alzheimer's disease have increased significantly. Between and , the number of deaths from Alzheimer's disease as recorded on death certificates has more than doubled, increasing This reflects the slow, uncertain progression of the disease.

Who are the caregivers? Approximately two-thirds of caregivers are women; more specifically, over one-third of dementia caregivers are daughters. Approximately one-quarter of dementia caregivers are "sandwich generation" caregivers — meaning that they care not only for an aging parent, but also for children under age Alzheimer's takes a devastating toll on caregivers.

But memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. Learn the Signs. See how the brain works and how Alzheimer's disease affects it. Take the Tour. People with MCI may go on to develop dementia, while others will not. Learn More. Take our free, online course Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia to learn about stages, risk factors, treatments and more.

Take the Course. Researchers believe there is not a single cause of Alzheimer's disease. It likely develops from multiple factors, such as genetics, lifestyle and environment.

Dementia is an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory and thinking skills. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.