What is Alzheimer's?
While the risk of developing dementia increases dramatically with age, most older people do not develop the condition. It is not an inevitable consequence of getting older. Just one in five people in their eighties, for example, are affected by it.
Dementia is not associated with any particular race, gender or culture. People in all walks of life may be affected – university professors, labourers, doctors, scientists, artists, cleaners, office- and factory workers. The late Ronald Reagan was one high-profile person with Alzheimer’s and Discworld author Terry Pratchett is another.
If you'd like to see a graphic explanation, visit http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/UnravelingTheMystery/Part1/InsideBrain.htm.
The links below provide some valuable information and insight into what Alzheimer's is all about:
See also 'Understanding what is happening to the person' in the section 'Giving care'.
