Alzheimer's disease is a complex disease that affects the brain. Approximately 5.2 million Americans have this disease. Although many things about Alzheimer's remain a mystery, research continues to bring us a better understanding of the disease, more accurate diagnoses, and more effective treatments.

What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's disease (pronounced AHLZ-hi-merz) is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain, causing impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer's disease causes the formation of abnormal structures in the brain called plaques and tangles. As they accumulate in affected individuals, nerve cell connections are reduced. Areas of the brain that influence short-term memory tend to be affected first. Later, the disease works its way into sections of the brain that control other intellectual and physical functions.