Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder. The disease breaks down and destroys brain cells and the neurons that connect brain cells to one another. This damage causes a decline in memory, behior, and mental capabilities.
Every person’s journey with AD is different. For some, the disease progresses slowly and lees mental function largely intact for several years. Other times, AD is aggressive and quickly robs people of their memory. In the end, AD becomes severe enough to disrupt day-to-day life. In later stages, people will need almost constant care.
AD is currently the most common cause of dementia in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5.8 million people in the United States he AD. Researchers and scientists he been studying the disease for decades, but there’s currently no cure.
Quality of life becomes increasingly important for people with AD and their caretakers once a diagnosis is made.