Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. Several changes occur in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. The brain cells shrink or disappear, and are replaced by dense, irregularly-shaped spots, or plaques. Another indicator of the disease is thread-like tangles within existing brain cells. These tangles eventually choke healthy brain cells.
As Alzheimer's disease affects each area of the brain, certain functions or abilities are lost. This results in specific symptoms or changes in behaviour. It is important to remember that once an ability is lost it can rarely be relearned.
Although the disease results in changes, it does not affect the person's ability to appreciate, respond to and experience feelings such as joy, anger, fear, love or sadness.
While it is not yet possible to restore function to brain cells damaged by Alzheimer's disease, there are treatments and strategies that can help both the person with the disease and the caregiver.
Please visit our Resources section for these and other resources:
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What is Alzheimer's Disease?
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Dispelling the Myths
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Ways to Help: Assisting Families Living With Alzheimer's Disease
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Are You Caring For Someone With Alzheimer's Disease? Remember to Take Care of Yourself Too!
The information in this section is taken from the Alzheimer Society of Canada website. Visit their site to learn more about: