Alzheimer's is the fourth leading cause of death among adults. Nearly 1 in 10 over the age of 65 are afflicted with the disease, and nearly half of those over the age of 85. Alzheimers is a progressive neurological degenerative disease that kills brain cells and leads to memory loss, dementia and loss of basic physical skills. The early stages present as:

1. Inability to remember recent events

2. Difficulty understanding what people are saying

3. Forgetting whole episodes

If you, or someone you know exhibits these early symptoms, see a doctor immediately. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but early detection and treatment can improve the patient's quality of life and help control the progression of the disease. For more information call the Alzheimer's Association at 1-800-272-3900.

While high levels of aluminum may be found in their brain tissue the exact causes of Alzheimer's is unknown. Researchers are looking into genetics, head injuries, education and gender as factors in the disease.

Prevention

Get started on a mental exercise program. Studies show that people with high education levels and high achievement of the job have just 1/3 the risk that others have of developing Alzheimer's. It's thought that by flexing the mental muscle more cerebral synapses are created, providing more path's of synaptic communication.

Preventing Progression of

Ginkgo Biloba -- The herbal supplement of ginkgo may give your memory a boost by promoting bloodflow to the brain, carrying with it oxygen and nutrients. don't take Gingko if you're already on antidepressants, aspirin of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, or blood-thinning medications, so check the label or talk with your doctor before taking it.

Vitamin E -- Shown to delay the progression of severe dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Recomended reading: Alzheimer's for Dummies An estimated 4 million people are living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in America today, with approximately 370,000 new cases diagnosed every year. AD patients live anywhere from 5 to 20 years after their diagnosis; and their inability to care for themselves grows more dramatic as the disease progresses, creating profound implications for their families and healthcare providers. Its impact on families during the caregiving years is overwhelming. If you have a family member or close friend who’s suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and you’re looking for current, useful information, then Alzheimer’s For Dummies is for you. This reference guide also is helpful if you * Need to know more about its diagnosis and treatment * Want to take care of yourself while taking care of your loved one * Are not the primary caregiver but want to know how to help * Want to know how Alzheimer’s Disease is going to affect you and your loved one Alzheimer’s For Dummies takes a realistic look at Alzheimer’s Disease, what it is and what it isn’t. It offers pertinent, easy-to-understand advice for dealing with the myriad concerns and responsibilities that a primary caregiver must assume when managing an Alzheimer’s patient. Here’s a sampling of the information you’ll find in this valuable guide: * Maneuvering through medical, legal, and financial tangles * Distinguishing AD from other brain diseases and medical conditions * Handling the fears that may accompany the diagnosis * Evaluating current drug therapies; watching out for scams and quack treatments * Finding the best doctors; dealing with attorneys and CPAs * Looking at Medicare regulations * Evaluating the cost of care * The current state of research, diagnosis, and treatment Television personality Leeza Gibbons, whose mother was stricken with AD, writes in the foreword of this book, “There is no upside to keeping your head in the sand. This book is a crucial step in your new fight. Arm yourself with the knowledge waiting for you in these pages. It will help you find answers and resources as you adjust to your new reality.”