Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease that destroys brain cells. The most common form of dementia, which affects about 10 per cent of people over 65, 20 per cent over 75 year olds and 40 per cent of those over 85. In Ireland, there are 34,000 individuals registered with dementia. Its Incidence will increase markedly as a greater proportion of our population live to advanced age (over 65s are set to double by 2025). There is no long-term treatment or cure.
A combination of genetic and environmental factors, for the most part unknown, is believed to lead to the disease. Most cases develop after the age of 65 in a seemingly random fashion (late onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease), with no known obvious cause or readily discernible family history of the disease.
Yet some researchers suggest half of all cases have a family history, with at least one affected first degree relative (parent, brother, sister). Early onset familial Alzheimer's disease occurs between 35 and 60 years, accounts for 5 per cent of cases and is genetically inherited.
Symptoms generally begin with increased forgetfulness, a common feature of the normal ageing. This advances slowly into more marked memory loss for recent events, names and places and difficulty with language (remembering the right word), conversation and concentration occur.
The patient becomes confused and disorientated, often accompanied by unpredictable personality changes, hallucinations and mood swings. The disease is relentless and irreversible. In its most advanced stage higher brain function is lost, patients lose ability to care for themselves and become physically debilitated, needing constant care.