Alzheimer's DiseaseMedical Author:
Rodrigo O Kuljis, MD
Medical Editor:
Nestor Galvez-Jimenez, MD
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Helmi L Lutsep, MD
Alzheimer's Disease OverviewAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of
dementia in industrialized nations. Dementia is a brain disorder that interferes with a person's ability to carry out everyday activities.
Viewer Comments & ReviewsAlzheimer's Disease - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe the symptoms you or loved one experienced with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's Disease Stages - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What was the treatment for you or your loved one's Alzheimer's disease? |
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Alzheimer's Disease
Possible Early Dementia Overview
Dementia is a serious brain disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks.
- The key feature of dementia is a decline in cognitive functions. These are mental processes such as thinking, reasoning, learning, problem solving, memory, language, and speech.
- Other features that occur frequently in dementia include changes in personality and behavior.
- Generally, these symptoms are not considered dementia unless they have continued unabated for at least 6 months.
- Dementia has many different causes. Some may be reversible, such as certain infections, drug intoxication, and liver diseases. Of the irreversible causes, the most common in older adults is Alzheimer's disease.
- Read the Possible Early Dementia article »
Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape
Alzheimer Disease »
Alzheimer disease (Alzheimer’s disease, AD), the most common cause of dementia1, isan acquired cognitive and behavioral impairment of sufficient severity that markedly interferes with social and occupational functioning.
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