Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease
   Alzheimer's disease is a progressive deterioration of the brain, first described in 1907 by the German neurologist Alois Alzheimer (1864-1915). It is the most common form of dementing, or mind-depriving, -illness, affecting cells in an area of the brain important to memory. Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's syndrome most commonly strikes elderly adults, but it has also been known to afflict people in their late twenties. Formerl this dis ase was known as pre-senile dementia or just plain senility. It was erroneously attributed to "hardening of the arteries." The disease involves degeneration of nerve cells rather than blockage of blood vessels.
   The cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown, and there is no known cure for it. Investigators are studying the role of such possible factors as viruses, genetic influences, abnormal immunological responses, and environmental or toxic agents.

Dictionary of eponyms. . 2013.

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