Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a gradual loss of memory, decline in the ability to perform routine tasks, disorientation, difficulty in learning, loss of language skills, impaired judgment and ability to plan, and personality changes. Over time, these changes become so severe that they interfere with an individual’s daily functioning, resulting eventually in death. Although not a normal part of aging, 1 in 7 persons over 65 and nearly half of those over 85 may have Alzheimer’s disease.
There is no cure for AD. However, there are effective strategies to help maintain cognitive function, reduce behavioral symptoms, prevent acute care crises and excess disability, and delay functional decline as well as nursing home placement.