History
This is not a new disease.  It was first discovered in 1906 by a German neurologist, Alois Alzheimer.  While autopsying the brain of a woman in her 50's who had been exhibiting memory loss, behavior changes, and lost of abilities, he noticed that there were some unusual plaques and tangles in the brain that he had never seen before.  
Alzheimer's Disease is a degenerative, progressive brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells.  It is not a normal part of aging but a physical disease that has a devastating effect on the individual, family, and friends.  There are two forms of Alzheimer's Disease:  Familial Autosomal Disease (FAD) which can strike adults at any age and Sporadic Disease, which is the more common of the two forms and usually occurs after the age of 65.

Today
Over 100,000 people in Ontario have Alzheimer's Disease or other dementia's (1 in 13 over the age of 65).  By the year 2031, it is estimated that the number of people with the disease or other dementia will triple.  Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that include the loss of intellectual function.  Examples of other dementia's include vascular dementia, Picks Disease and Creutzfeld-Jacob Disease.

There is no known cause or cure for the disease at present.  Alzheimer's is the fourth leading cause of death among seniors.

Symptoms of the disease may include:
- progressive memory loss
- disorientation
- impairment of judgment
- personality change
- decline in the ability to perform routine tasks
- difficulty in learning and loss of language skills

If you suspect possible Alzheimer's disease symptoms, contact your family doctor or the Alzheimer Society for further assistance.
 

Treatment
Although no known cure for Alzheimer's disease is available at present, good planning as well as medical and social management can ease the burdens on the victim and family.  New medication may temporarily improve memory and language abilities in some individuals.  Appropriate medication can lessen anxiety and unpredictable behavior, improve sleeping patterns and treat depression.

Physical exercise and social activity are important, as are proper nutrition and health maintenance.  A calm and well structured environment may help the afflicted person to maintain as much comfort and dignity as possible. The Society is a leading fund raiser in Alzheimer research.