Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disease characterized by dementia and the loss of mental abilities which are severe enough to interfere with normal daily living (Robinson, 1999). In the United States, it is estimated that between two and four million people have the disease, and as the aging population soars, this number is expected to increase rapidly. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in old people and it affects the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language (Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet, 2001). The disease usually starts after age 65 but it is not a normal part of the aging process. About three percent of men and women between the ages of 65 and 74 have Alzheimer's disease, but there is an early-onset form of the disease which begins in the 40s and 50s (Robinson, 1999).
Alzheimer's disease comes on slowly, usually beginning with memory loss, which increases with time. Alzheimer's disease patients have trouble remembering recent events, names, familiar things, and are unable to do simple math problems (Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet, 2001). As the disease progresses, they become unable to perform familiar tasks, maintain employment, become disoriented in time and space, lose initiative, and can no longer reason and exercise judgment (Robinson, 1999). Communication ability, mood and personality may also be affected. They may develop aphasia, apraxia, and visuospatial dysfunction (Alzheimer's disease, 1998). Most people with Alzheimer's disease die within 8 years of diagnosis, though some die sooner (Robinson, 1999).
No one knows what triggers Alzheimer's disease, but there are several theories: brain inflammation may play a role, as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents seems to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's; restriction of blood flow to the brain may be a factor, which would account for the beneficial effects of estrogen, which increases blood...