Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia affecting around 496,000 people in the UK. Alzheimer's disease was first described by a German neurologist Dr Alois Alzheimer. Alzheimer's disease is a physical disease of the brain. During the course of the disease plaques and tangles develop in the brain leading to the death of brain cells.

We also know that people with Alzheimer's disease have a shortage of some important chemicals which are involved in transmitting messages within the brain. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition and symptoms become worse over time.

Factsheet 401, What is Alzheimer's disease?

Factsheet 405, Genetics and dementia

Factsheet 407, Drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease

Factsheet 426, Diagnosis and assessment