Alzheimer's Disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by progressive and irreversible brain deterioration and dementia. It is the most common form of dementia.
Studies of brain sections of Alzheimer's patients revealed abnormal plaques and tangled fibres. Both plaques and tangles consist mostly of misfolded proteins that interfere with brain functions.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease include cognitive and behavioural changes such as loss of memory, language deterioration, slowness of thought, poor judgement, disorientation, restlessness and mood swing.
Alzheimer's Disease can be further divided into two types; Sporadic and Familial. In both types, increasing age is an important risk factor; the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. Other risk factors include family history and genetics. The risk increases if more than one family member has Alzheimer's.
There is currently no cure for this illness.
References:
"Alzheimer's disease" Concise Medical Dictionary. Oxford University Press, 2007. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University Press. Sydney University. 6 October 2007.
Bennett, G. and Jones, M. (2001). The Alzheimer's Handbook: A guide to the diagnosis and management of the causes of confusion and dementia. London: Vermilion.