More About Alzheimer’s

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What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.

Alzheimer’s disease is also not a normal part of growing older. It is often mistaken and left undiagnosed because of misconceptions around significant memory loss as a normal sign of aging. It is a chronic disease and the greatest known risk factor for the disease is aging, and the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. People with down syndrome are particularly at higher risk.

A middle aged woman looks boldly into the camera in an outdoor setting. Her body position is turned slightly to the right and pictured from shoulders and above.

Older adult man is sitting in an outdoor setting and there is a younger adult's hand on his shoulder. Man is in focus and pictured from the shoulders and above.

Why is screening so important?

After an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, people typically live an average of 4–8 more years. However, it can be much longer. An early diagnosis gives you more time to plan, which can improve your quality of life and contribute to a more positive health outcome.

More About Screening

Who is affected?

People with Down syndrome have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease – with 50% of those older than 60 affected.

A middle aged male and female couple sitting in an outdoor setting with the female's head on the male's shoulder. Neither is looking directly at the camera and both are smiling.

Who is affected?

Older, Black Americans are 2x more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Who is affected?

Latinos are 1.5x more likley to develop Alzheimer’s.

Who is affected?

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are also at higher risk.