Alzheimer’s disease

I think that it is safe to say that when most people think of the end of their life they want to die peacefully around the people they love. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Aging brings many obstacles and life changes. Many of these changes come by way of diminishing health. One of these major obstacles is having problems with memory, thinking, and behavior, which are all signs of Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s Association).

            Sixty to eighty percent of dementia cases are contributed to Alzheimer’s disease, making this disease the most common form of dementia (Alzheimer’s Association). The disease is actually the sixth leading cause of death in the United States (National Institute of Aging). These statistics show us the seriousness of this disease that mainly affects older people. Educating ourselves on the signs of Alzheimer’s can help prepare us for the possible signals as we or our loved one’s age.

            While Alzheimer’s disease does not affect everyone, neither is it the only disease that can affect people as they age, it is a serious one. It becomes increasingly important that we are aware of how we change physically and mentally as we age. Research into the ways our health can change and diminish as we age will only help prepare each and every person for their own future.

Learn more:

National Institute of Aging: http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers

References

“Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia.” Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Association, 2018,            www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp.

“Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet.” National Institute on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and   Human Services, 17 Aug. 2016, www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet.