Subscribe to one of our news e-mail lists . The biggest gathering of its kind, the conference ending July 18 has brought together researchers, doctors and advocates from many locations to share information and network. About 12 million people, including 4 million in the United States, have Alzheimer's, according to the latest estimates. The debilitating brain disease influences the lives of millions of other people, particularly family members of patients. Real 28K 80K Windows Media 28K 80K People with Alzheimer's develop plaques and tangles in the brain, which eventually kill nerve cells, causing dementia and other problems.
Researchers believe it happens when certain chemicals attack brain cell proteins.
Brain tissue also becomes inflamed. Several drug compounds are currently being tested for effectiveness against memory loss. Work progresses on a vaccine. And researchers are studying the role played by environmental factors such as a high-fat diet and high cholesterol and blood pressure. CNN Medical Correspondent Rhonda Rowland looks at some of the issues discussed at the conference so far.