What Is It? Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a loss of brain
functions that worsens over time. It is a form of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease damages the brain's intellectual functions.
Short-term memory often is affected early. Gradually other
intellectual functions deteriorate. Judgment becomes impaired.
Most people with advanced AD lose their ability to do normal
daily activities. Alzheimer's usually begins after age 60.
Occasionally, it affects younger people. Scientists are
uncertain about what causes the symptoms of AD. Alzheimer's
patients develop excessive deposits of two proteins in their
brains. Researchers believe that these proteins distort
communication between brain cells. A chemical called
acetylcholine may also be involved. It helps transmit messages
between brain cells. Levels of acetylcholine begin to drop in
patients with AD. This may add to the communication problems
between brain cells. Eventually, brain cells themselves are
affected. They begin to shrivel and die. The following factors
may inc