The article speaks about how it is World Alzheimer’s Day and what advances have been made in the fight against the disease. In short, the article does underscore that no cure has been found and in fact, the disease is still not fully understood by those who are developing pharmaceuticals to combat the condition. According to the author, what is known is that the disease is caused by a buildup of beta-amyloid fragments and tau tangles between nerve cells in the brain. These buildups and tangles kill off nerve cells and eventually cause the brain to shrink. As a result, symptoms include memory loss, change in behavior, and loss of independence. The article underscores the need for preventative measures as a key to curbing the disease as the baby-boomer population enters their senior years.

Key Points:

• 1Today (September 21) is World Alzheimer’s Day
• 2We’ve learned a great deal about the protein ‘tangles’ and ‘plaques’ that cause the disease
• 3Dementia isn’t one disease: it’s a constellation of changes in an individual’s brain

By far the most common and well-known form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms include memory problems, changes in behaviour and progressive loss of independence.