Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most prevalent cause of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of dementia cases. It is characterized by a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and language skills, ultimately leading to death. While the causes are not fully understood, the disease is associated with the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, disrupting neuronal function and connectivity.
The most significant risk factor for Alzheimer's is age, with the majority of cases occurring after 65. However, early-onset Alzheimer's can affect individuals in their 30s to mid-60s. Other risk factors include genetics, family history, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients and their caregivers. As of 2020, approximately 50 million people worldwide were living with Alzheimer's disease.
