Alzheimer's disease (pronounced AHLZ-high-merz) is a complex disease that affects the brain. Approximately 4.5 million Americans have this disease. Although many things about Alzheimer's remain a mystery, research continues to bring us a better understanding of the disease, more accurate diagnoses, and more effective treatments.
             Alzheimer's disease is one of several disorders that cause the gradual loss of brain cells. The disease was first described in 1906 by German physician Dr. Alois Alzheimer. Although the disease was once considered rare, research has shown that it is the leading cause of dementia.
             Recent memory loss that affects skills.
             It is normal to occasionally forget appointments, recent events, names or telephone numbers. Those in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease may forget things more often and may struggle with or drop out of complex activities, which require a high level of brain power. Repetitiveness in conversation is another sign of short term memory loss.
             Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
             Busy people can be so distracted from time to time that they may leave the carrots on the stove and only remember to serve them at the end of the meal. People with Alzheimer's Disease could prepare a meal, forget to serve it, and also forget they made it.
             Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimer's Disease may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate words, making his or her sentences incomprehensible.
             It's normal to forget the day of the week or your destination for a moment, but people with Alzheimer's Disease can become lost on their own street, not know where they are, how they got there, or how to get home.
             People can become so involved in an activity that they temporarily forget about the running water tap or such like.
             They may dress inappropriately, wearing several shirts or blouses or nightwear over day ...