Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, language deterioration, impaired visuospatial skills, poor judgement, indifferent attitude, but preserved motor function. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s usually manifest after age sixty-five; however, onset may occur as early as age forty, appearing first as memory decline and, over several years, destroying cognition, personality, and ability to function. The disease attacks nerve cells in all parts of the cortex region of the brain, as well as some surrounding structures, thereby impairing a person’s abilities to govern emotions, recognize errors and patterns, coordinate movement, and remember. Two significant abnormalities have been identified in brains of people affected by Alzheimer’s: twisted nerve cell fibers, known as neurofibrillary tangles, and plaques composed of a sticky protein called beta amyloid; however, other factors are suspected to play a role.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no way to slow the progression of the disease.