Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that affects the elderly population. Symptoms are more noticeable over time due to the severity of the worsening stages. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. It accounts for fifty to eighty percent of dementia cases. Contrary to popular belief, Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging. Different parts of the brain are affected causing multiple symptoms sometimes not diagnosed until later stages of the disease. The death of nerve cells and tissues throughout the brain is the most significant effect over time. Naturally, by the age of twenty-five the brain begins to decrease in size. With Alzheimer's, the decrease in quantity is extremely significant. It begins to wither the cortex which is the part of the brain needed for planning, remembering and thinking. The most obvious narrowing occurs in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for forming new memories, it is also located within the cortex. Upon further inspection under the microscope, tissue samples are observed and synapse and nerve cell counts are severely reduced. Tangles are also found which are our twisted strands of another protein due to nerve cell death and bundling. Plaques and tangles are prime suspects in Alzheimer's brain death and tissue loss. Beta-amyloid is a sticky chemical that causes it to gradually build up in plaques. This chemical comes from a larger protein found in nerve cells with fatty membranes. These tangles destroy a vital cellular transport system made of proteins. There are seven stages of Alzheimer's, classified by Dr. Barry Reisberg, clinical director of the Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center at New York University School of Medicine. Each phase takes place in the middle of the card during this phase patients will completely lose the ability to control movement, but will still be able to speak words and certain phrases. He/she will require assistance for most of daily life and will require 24-hour personal care. They also lose the ability to smile or sit without support. Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease is not an exact science. Some tests are completed to aid in diagnosis. These tests include; Mental status tests, neurological examination and thorough medical history, physical tests are also completed. There are currently no treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are constantly looking for new and advanced treatments to alter the course. Any ongoing progress will ensure that the quality of life of people with dementia improves. Works Cited www.alz.org www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease