Alzheimer's is a degenerative disease of the brain, initially characterized by gradual loss of short-term memory and then increasing difficulty performing simple, routine tasks. The disease progresses at different speeds for every individual, but eventually most people experience disorientation and personality and behavior changes. Communicating with others becomes difficult, and the ability to stay focused and follow directions becomes more challenging. Ultimately, people with Alzheimer's require more and more assistance with activities of daily living and eventually become entirely dependent on others. Symptoms of natural aging, such as difficulties with short-term memory, do not progress into more serious symptoms as they do with Alzheimer's.