Alzheimer's disease, also known as senile dementia, is defined as a disorder involving deterioration in mental functions resulting from changes in brain tissue. According to the DSM-IV checklist Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type is present when:
             1. The development of multiple cognitive deficits manifested by both memory impairment and at least one of the following cognitive disturbances:
             d. Disturbance in executive function
             2. Significant impairment in social or occupational function
             3. Gradual onset and continuing cognitive decline.
             Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for at least half of the cases (Comer, 1998, p. 500).
             Since ancient times, it has been clear that some people lose cognitive function as they age. But, it wasn't until 1906 that Alzheimer's disease was discovered. That year German neurologist, Alois Alzheimer, performed a neurological autopsy on the brain of a woman who had died after several years of progressive mental deterioration marked by increasing confusing memory loss (History of Alzheimer's," 2000).
             Since the discovery of Alzheimer's disease the number of cases has increased at a rate so rapid that it's terrifying. In fact, Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of age related dementia, and the eighth leading cause of death in elderly people, being held responsible for approximately 23,000 deaths. Currently, as many as 4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease (Evans, 2000).
             Alzheimer's disease is very difficult to diagnose and in many cases can only be 100% positive after an autopsy is performed. However, there are some risk factors to be aware of. The most important risk factors for dementia are old age and a family history of dementia. The older one gets, the greater his/her risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. About 10 percent of all people over 70 have significant memor...