Alzheimer's is a disease and the most common form of dementia.

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There is no obvious reasons why some people suffer whilst other do not; however exercise and maintaining an active mind help minimise it's development. Genetics, age, lifestyle, general health and other environmental factors effect it's occurance.

While cognition can vary somewhat in Alzheimer’s, the person’s ability to think and use his memory gradually declines over time. There is usually no sudden change from day to day. Forming and accessing memories is a typical impairment in the early stages of Alzheimer's. Physical abilities like balance or walking may suffer some deterioration in later stages. Life expectancy after the beginning of symptoms is 8.4 years.

Although cognitive tests are used to evaluate memory and the ability the understand, Alzheimer's is often diagnosed by ruling other causes out. There's no clear test to diagnose Alzheimer's at this time, so reversible causes of confusion such as vitamin B12 deficiency and normal pressure hydrocephalus, as well as other types of dementia or delirium and of course brain scans for damage that would indicate a stroke or tumour.

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