Does Alzheimer's disease affect only the elderly?

While most Alzheimer's victims are more than 65 years old, it can strike men and women in their 40s and 50s.

How many people are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease?

It affects an estimated 4 million American adults. It is the most common form of dementing illness.

Can an Alzheimer's patient die of the disease?

More than 100,000 die of complications from Alzheimer's disease annually, making it the fourth-leading cause of death in adults, after heart disease, cancer and stroke.

Does the disease strike one gender more than the other?

The disease knows no social or economic boundaries and affects men and women almost equally.

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include a gradual memory loss, decline in ability to perform routine tasks, impairment of judgment, disorientation, personality change, difficulty in learning and loss of language skills.