Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes gradual loss of memory as well as the loss of language skills, and eventually the inability to care for oneself. This disease affects about 10 percent of the American population over the age of 45, and approximately 45 percent of America's population over 85 may have the disease.
             Alois Alzheimer, a German psychologist, discovered the disease in 1906. Until recently, scientists hypothesized that Alzheimer's disease only affected young people, but now it has been proven otherwise. Today researchers know early-onset Alzheimer's affects people in their 30's through 50's, accounting for only 10 percent of the estimated 4 million cases in the United States. The other cases are considered late-onset Alzheimer's, which affects people age 65 and older.
             The causes of Alzheimer's disease are still unknown. Investigations into the cause of the disease have revealed inconclusive results. Scientists believe people with a family history of the disease are more susceptible to it than the general population. A genetic mutation in the genes of diagnosed patients has linked Alzheimer's disease to amyloid, the protein that is associated to the destruction of brain neurons. Geneticists are intrigued by this mutation because it occurs on the gene involved in Down's Syndrome.
             The onset of this disease is very progressive. In the early stages, patients diagnosed with this disease may have difficulty learning new information or performing routine tasks such as locking the door. As Alzheimer's disease worsens, persons have trouble remembering recent happenings and finding words to express themselves. In time, they have difficulty finding their way around familiar areas and may go astray and become lost. Patients become frustrated and frightened when mundane tasks become unfamiliar. Eventually, the patients incapacitated by...