What is Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks and destroys nerve cells or neurons in the brain, possibly killing them. It is the most common form of dementia (approximately 50-60% of all cases of dementia). it affects 1 in 20 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 1,000 people under the age of 65. Although it affects more people over the age of 65, it does not mean that age is the cause of the disease. Patients with Alzheimer's disease suffer from memory loss, thinking difficulties, loss of language skills and changes in behavior. No one is immune from this disease. Alzheimer's disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906 he noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. His symptoms included memory loss, speech problems and unpredictable behavior. After his death he examined his brain and found abnormal protein fragments called sores and tangles. These protein fragments are the two main characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. The third is the loss of connection between nerve cells and the brain. Symptoms The first sign of Alzheimer's is memory loss, followed by personality changes and then progresses to loss of control over bodily functions. These changes happen over a long period of time. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, symptoms are not immediately present, but the patient begins to suffer from brief memory lapses (for example, forgets the faces of familiar people). In the moderate stage of Alzheimer's disease, patients often rapidly lose cognitive function, forgetting recent events and even personal history. They also begin to experience personality changes and often suffer from hallucinations. Patients with severe Alzheimer's disease require... middle of the paper... Er's disease. Drugs prescribed to Alzheimer's patients can only delay the development of the disease. Donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine are prescribed to patients with mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease. Memantine may be prescribed to patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. These drugs can only be prescribed by specialists such as neurologists and psychiatrists. Prevention Alzheimer's is a complex disease and cannot yet be prevented. The researchers found that there may be an opportunity to prevent or delay symptoms through a combination of healthy habits. Research conducted by scientists shows hope that the development of Alzheimer's disease can one day be slowed or cured. But it is possible to take essential measures to delay the arrival of Alzheimer's. These include lifestyle interventions.