Geriatrics and Gerontology

Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage. It results in dementia symptoms that gently worsen over time. Alzheimer’s may be a chronic neurodegenerative disease that sometimes starts slowly and gradually worsens over time. It is the explanation for 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As Alzheimer’s advances, symptoms get more severe and include disorientation, confusion and behaviour changes. Eventually, speaking, swallowing and walking become difficult.