Alzheimer’s disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed differences in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Her symptoms included memory loss, speaking problems, and unpredictable behavior.

After her death, he examined her brain and found many abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (neurofibrillary or tangles).

These plaques and tangles are considered some of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease.

Here are some quick facts.

1) Half of adults aged 85 and over have Alzheimer's!

2) The incidence of Alzheimer’s will increase to every 33 seconds by 2050. Currently, the incidence rate is every 65 seconds.

3) There is an increased likelihood of depression, emotional stress and financial problems among caregivers for those with the disease.

4) More women than men have Alzheimer’s disease.

5) Alzheimer's disease is fatal and there is no cure. It is a slow-moving disease that starts with memory loss and ends with severe brain damage.

6) The direct and indirect financial toll of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States is estimated to be least $100 billion a year.

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Platty's Editor Note: More than half of the 5.4 million Americans with the disease may not know they have it. 24/7 Hotline : 1.800.272.3900