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Alzheimer's Disease

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Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer's disease (AD), which initially involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.

The disease usually begins after age 65, and risk goes up with age. While younger people may also get AD, it is much less common. Scientists think that as many as 4.9 million Americans age 65 and older suffer from AD. Of these men and women, about 2 percent are ages 65 to 74, 19 percent ages 75 to 84, and nearly half of those age 85 and older have the disease.

AD has no known cure, and the secrets to preventing it are not yet known. For some people in the early or middle stages of AD, medication may slow down some symptoms.

Additional Information on Alzheimer's Disease:

Publications

1.   Alzheimer's Disease Centers Program Directory - This publication contains a list of National, NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Centers established to study the causes of and to develop potential treatment for Alzheimer's Disease.

   http://www.alzheimers.org/adcdir.htm

2.   Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet - This fact sheet discusses how Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It describes the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and care for those with Alzheimer's disease.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm

3.   Alzheimer's Disease Medications Fact Sheet - This publication contains information on the medications used to treat mild to severe forms of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, it explains the recommended dosages and the possible side effects.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/medicationsfs.htm

4.     Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery - This booklet provides illustrations of how a healthy brain looks and how it works, what happens in a brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and current research. It also includes a list of publications and resources that family members and caregivers may find useful.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/A294D332-71A2-4866-BDD7-A0DF216DAAA4/0/Alzhei...

5.   AoA Fact Sheet on Alzheimer's Disease - This fact sheet contains information on Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It also provides additional resources and contact information.

   http://www.aoa.gov/ALZ/Public/alzcarefam/disease_info/facts_alz/aoa_factsheet.asp...

6.   Can Alzheimer's Disease be Prevented? - The brochure explains the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease we can't control and the possible risk factors we can control that are being researched at the National Institutes of Health, such as high blood pressure, physical activity, estrogen, and more.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/

7.   Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease - This publication intended for caregivers provides information on safety for people with Alzheimer's disease. It lists safety concerns for each room of the house, for events or gatherings, for driving, and for emergency situations.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/homesafety.htm

Organizations

1.   Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center, NIA, NIH, HHS
2.   National Institute on Aging Information Center, NIA, NIH, HHS
3. Alzheimer's Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of June 2007