neurodegenerative

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disease and is the most common form of , accounting for around 60–70% of cases. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation, mood swings, loss of motivation, self-neglect, and behavioral issues. As a person's condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the average life expectancy following is three to twelve years.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

·Memory loss, problems with language, disorientation, mood swings

Causes — why it happens

·Poorly understood

How it's found

·Based on symptoms and testing after ruling out other possible causes

Complications

·, falls and in the terminal stage

Outlook

·100% , life expectancy 3–12 years

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Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.