Definition of Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative, progressive, terminal brain disease. It is the fourth leading cause of death among adults and currently affects more than four million people in the United States. This number is expected to increase over the next few years as baby boomers age, reaching fourteen million by 2025. Alzheimer's disease usually occurs in people over the age of seventy-five; however, it strikes people in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it is rare. When Alzheimer's disease occurs before the age of sixty-five, it is called young-onset Alzheimer's disease. The main symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are: Forgetfulness, Confusion, Dementia in the later stages of the disease. Scientists know that Alzheimer's disease is characterized by a progressive spread of sticky plaques. and clumps of tangled fibers that disrupt the organization of nerve cells in the brain. However, no specific cause, prevention or cause has been found. A myth about Alzheimer's disease says that nothing can be done about the disease. This is not true. Much can be done to help the person with Alzheimer's disease maintain the highest possible level of functioning for as long as possible and provide them with the best quality of life. Medications Available: Several medications are available that may, in some people, improve symptoms or temporarily slow the progression of the disease, including: Cognex, Aricept, Exelon, and Reminyl. Other drugs are currently being tested and could be marketed in the near future. Diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease: There is no quick and easy way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. In fact, a diagnosis can only be made conclusively after the autopsy of ...... middle of paper ...... using words that your patient is accustomed to and will understand. Clarify your message with body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, touch and gestures. In the final stages of Alzheimer's disease, the person has little or no ability to communicate and their verbal responses are limited, often one word or just a sound. You should continue to be attentive to how your patient communicates their needs and particularly communicate their care and concerns through touch, facial expression, and tone of voice. Communication plays a major role in preventing and resolving behavioral problems and improving your patient's quality of life. allowing them to feel, even when they no longer know or recognize those around them, that they are among people who care about them and care about their physical and emotional well-being.