Alzheimer’s Disease

Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease -
A Quick Guide for Patients and Caregivers

• 5.3 million Americans (1 out of every 8 people age 65 and older) have Alzheimer’s disease.
  
  
• The primary risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease is advancing age, although it is not considered a part of normal aging.
  
  
• Alzheimer’s disease occurs when nerve cells in the brain begin to fail and die.  This decreases the amount of certain chemicals required for complete brain function.
  
  
• Alzheimer’s disease is progressive in nature.  The medications used to treat Alzheimer’s disease are designed to slow the onset and progression of symptoms.