Science & Technology

24 February 2012

Alzheimer’s—The Most Dreaded Age-Related Disease

By Max Sherman

It can be argued that among the various illnesses associated with aging, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Parkinson’s disease, none is more dreaded than Alzheimer’s disease. The affected patient suffers a progressive loss of cognitive awareness and his or her independence, and eventually dies, usually within three to nine years after diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s disease causes the mind to slowly vanish, leaving an empty shell of a person behind. More troubling, even after years of research, there remain more questions than answers about Alzheimer’s disease. This is not surprising, since the brain is the most complex structure in the universe and there is still much to be learned about its function. While research continues, it is troubling to know that Alzheimer’s disease may be inevitable for many people. This article is intended to enhance understanding of the disease by briefly describing its history, incidence, symptoms, diagnosis, etiology and current and possible future treatment. [Read More...]

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