However, it was not clearly identified as a separate syndrome until 1906 in the laboratory of the German doctor, Alois Alzheimer. Alzheimer's is a form of senile dementia. Senile dementia or organic brain syndrome were the phrases in popular use about twenty years ago to describe Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is not a mental illness. However, depression is a common mental illness and can cause Alzheimer's-like symptoms.
Depression is a treatable and reversible condition.
Alzheimer's is not part of the normal aging process, and therefore, is not a normal event at the end of life. Normal Aging - May not always recall names of friends and relatives, but does recognize them and can recall names later. Alzheimer's - Doesn't recognize friends and relatives. Normal Aging - May not remember today's date, but knows the year and time day. Alzheimer's - Cannot remember the day of the week, season, year, or time of day.