AlzDigest

A progressive, irreversible brain disease, Alzheimer’s manifests itself in memory loss, loss of language skills and motor-skill impairment. It is the leading cause of dementia in adults age 65 and older.

The first symptom to appear typically is mild memory loss that is more severe than appropriate for others the same age. The effects of Alzheimer’s progress from mild to moderate to severe with symptoms including: disorientation, trouble performing formerly routine tasks and personality changes. As the disease advances symptoms worsen to include not recognizing family members, impulsiveness and hallucinations. Eventually, the patient loses the ability to communicate or move.