• English
• En español

Alzheimer's Disease

Home > Men's Health Home > Top Health Concerns of Men > Alzheimer's Disease

• Additional Resources

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an illness of the brain. It damages nerve cells in the brain. This affects your ability to remember things, think clearly, and care for yourself. AD begins slowly, and symptoms get worse with time. Ultimately, a person with AD might need total care. For some people in the early or middle stages of AD, medication may keep symptoms from getting worse for a limited time.

AD usually begins after age 65, and risk goes up with age. The risk is also higher if a family member has had AD.

Scientists are learning more and more about AD. Yet the cause and the secrets to preventing it are not yet known. Several recent, large studies have found a possible link between factors related to heart disease and AD. These studies suggest that a hearth-healthy lifestyle also might protect against AD.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Alzheimer's Disease Centers Program Directory - This publication contains a list of National, NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Centers established to study the causes of and to develop potential treatment for Alzheimer's Disease.

   http://www.alzheimers.org/adcdir.htm

2.   Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet - This fact sheet discusses how Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It describes the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and care for those with Alzheimer's disease.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm

3.   Alzheimer's Disease Medications Fact Sheet - This publication contains information on the medications used to treat mild to severe forms of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, it explains the recommended dosages and the possible side effects.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/medicationsfs.htm

4.     Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery - This booklet provides illustrations of how a healthy brain looks and how it works, what happens in a brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and current research. It also includes a list of publications and resources that family members and caregivers may find useful.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/NR/rdonlyres/A294D332-71A2-4866-BDD7-A0DF216DAAA4/0/Alzheimers_Disease_Unraveling_th...

5.   Can Alzheimer's Disease be Prevented? - The brochure explains the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease we can't control and the possible risk factors we can control that are being researched at the National Institutes of Health, such as high blood pressure, physical activity, estrogen, and more.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/ADPrevented/

6.   Home Safety for People with Alzheimer's Disease - This publication intended for caregivers provides information on safety for people with Alzheimer's disease. It lists safety concerns for each room of the house, for events or gatherings, for driving, and for emergency situations.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/homesafety.htm

Organizations

1.   Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center, NIA, NIH, HHS
2.   National Institute on Aging Information Center, NIA, NIH, HHS
3. Alzheimer's Association

= Indicates Federal Resources