Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease is a common cause of dementia in older adults. Causes of Alzheimer DiseaseDevelopment of Alzheimer disease is related to 2 abnormal proteins in the brain called β-amyloid and tau, which are toxic to nerve cells (neurons) in the brain.The buildup of these proteins in neurons eventually leads to neuron death, worsened brain function, and symptoms of dementia.Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in mental abilities including memory, language, and logical thinking.The exact trigger for Alzheimer disease is unknown.It tends to run in families, meaning there is a genetic component.More than 30 genes have been identified that may be involved in Alzheimer disease.Three genes have been found to be passed down from parent to child in a "dominant" manner, with about half of children of an affected parent also eventually developing Alzheimer disease.Alzheimer disease symptoms usually occur after age 65 years, but often, the types of Alzheimer disease that run in families occur earlier.