Alzheimer's Disease: Introduction

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. It is also called senile dementia and is the most common cause for dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. 60-80 percent of all dementia cases are caused by alzheimer's disease. In the U.S. there are over 3 million cases per year. Alzheimer's usually affects people over the age of 60, however 5% of alzheimer's cases begin between ages 40-50. This is called the early-onset form of alzheimer's disease.