Alzheimer disease is a disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It is a type of dementia that happens when nerve cells in the brain die.
Alzheimer disease most commonly affects older adults. But it can also affect people in their 30s or 40s. When Alzheimer disease occurs in someone younger than age 65, it is known as early-onset (or younger-onset) Alzheimer disease.
Alzheimer disease is a type of brain disorder. It causes memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality. It is a type of dementia.
Alzheimer disease is a progressive condition, which means that it keeps getting worse. Eventually, people with Alzheimer disease need help with daily activities because they lose the ability to dress, bathe, and feed themselves.
In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people have as they grow older.