Your Doctor Vocabulary Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative disorder that affects the brain, causing cognitive problems and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Almost four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.
Symptoms usually begin with memory problems, especially short-term memory.
As time continues, patients become increasingly confused and disoriented. Many of these conditions can be treated or even cured. For that reason, it's important to get a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation from a doctor as soon as possible. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia affect less than one out of 1,000 people under the age of 65. The chances of developing dementia increase with age - two percent of people between 65 and 75 suffer from a dementia disorder, rising to 20 percent of those over 80.