Four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and 100,000 of them die every year. Alzheimer's strikes 7 to 10 percent of people more than 65 years old. It is estimated that more than half of all nursing home patients have Alzheimer's disease, yet 67 to 85 percent of Alzheimer's patients are cared for in private homes by members of their families. A person with the disease can live three to 20 years after diagnosis. Alzheimer's is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and impairs memory, thinking and behavior, but motor skills remain functional.
Severe forgetfulness is one of the first symptoms of the disease.
Forgetting the name of someone you see infrequently is normal, but forgetting the name of a loved one is a serious problem. Eventually, Alzheimer's leaves individuals unable to care for themselves. It is essential that anyone experiencing severe memory problems or confusion be thoroughly examined by a physician experienced in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. However, a complete and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's can only be made by examining brain tissue after death. It is possible there are different ways Alzheimer's develops.