gets worse over time

causes a steady loss of memory, how well you can speak, think, and do your daily activities.

also a form of dementia

most common cause of mental decline

changes in the brain

loss of chemical messengers in the brain

Have trouble making decisions

be confused about what time and day it is

Get lost in places you know well

Have trouble learning and remembering new information

Have trouble finding the right words to say what you want to say

Have more trouble doing daily tasks

One in 7 people over age 71 has a form of dementia

2.3 percent of those ages 71 to 79

18 percent of those ages 80 to 89

29.7 percent of those 90 or older

more women than men develop it

There is no cure

medicines that may slow symptoms down for a while and make the disease easier to live with

doctor will ask about your past health and do a physical exam

doctor may do some simple things that test your memory and other mental skills

exam usually includes blood tests

CT scans and MRI scans, which look at your brain

there is no known way to prevent Alzheimer's disease

there are things that may make it less likely.

physical therapy departments

nursing homes

at home health

physical therapy departments help people learn how to do ADL's again

physical therapy departments help elders regain or maintain their ROM

nursing homes insure a safe place for the elderly to continue living out their lives

at home health agencies help in the keeping people at home as long as they can be safe

http://www.wakehealth.edu/Health-Encyclopedia/Health-Topics/Alzheimers-Disease.htm

http://www.caring.com/articles/age-and-sex-alzheimers-risk