Scientists are still not certain what causes the disease. Age and a family history of Alzheimer's disease are identifiable risk factors. Many researchers and physicians are coming to believe that Alzheimer's is a complex disease, probably caused by a variety of influences. However, we know what it looks like and we can identify it and examine it under the microscope. It s a disease that tends to run in families.
Memory loss is very common in aging.
In fact, in it s early stages, Alzheimer s disease can resemble simple memory loss. Alzheimer s disease, however, progresses much more rapidly than normal memory loss associated with aging and AD eventually produces much more profound symptoms. Alzheimer s symptoms affect communication, learning, thinking, and reasoning, and can have an impact on a person's work and social life. There are particular symptoms that appear as Alzheimer s disease progresses. When these symptoms are present, health care providers are much more confident of the diagnosis.