Alzheimer Disease:

We all forget things once in a while. Maybe you've forgotten to send a card for someone's anniversary or to return an overdue library book. Forgetting stuff is a part of life and it often becomes more common as people age. That's not Alzheimer disease.

Alzheimer (alts-hi-mer) disease is different from everyday forgetting. It's a condition that permanently affects the brain, and over time, makes it harder to remember even basic stuff, like how to tie a shoe.

Eventually, the person may have trouble remembering the names and faces of family members - or even who he or she is. This can be very sad for the person and their families.

Alzheimer's usually affects people over 65 years of age. Researchers have found medicines that seem to slow the disease down. And there's hope that someday there will be a cure.

How Do People Know They Have It?

The first sign of Alzheimer disease is a continuous pattern of forgetting things. This starts to affect a person's daily life. He or she may forget where the grocery store is or the names of family and friends. This stage of the disease may last for some time or quickly progress, causing memory loss and forgetfulness to get worse.

It can be hard to diagnose Alzheimer disease because many of its symptoms (like memory problems) can be like those of other conditions affecting the brain. Once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, the doctor may prescribe medicine to help with memory and thinking. The doctor also might give the person medicine for other problems, such as depression.

Unfortunately, medication can't cure Alzheimer disease; they just help slow down the disease.

• Alzheimers Information
  Information and resources for Alzheimer's disease.