Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, a disorder in which mental functions deteriorate and break down. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease most commonly affects older adults, but it can also affect people in their 30s or 40s. When Alzheimer’s disease occurs in someone under the age of 65, it is known as early-onset (or younger-onset) Alzheimer’s disease. Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality. It is a type of dementia. Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's is a progressive condition, which means that it keeps getting worse. Eventually, people with Alzheimer's disease need help with daily activities because they lose the ability to dress, bathe, and feed themselves. Medications that Can Treat Alzheimer's Disease Many people believe that Alzheimer’s disease can't be treated. The truth is that medications are available that may help slow the progression of symptoms. Helping Someone with Memory Loss In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people experience as they grow older. New Hope for Alzheimer’s Disease Research is shedding light on ways to cut risk, and treatments can make life easier and more comfortable after a diagnosis. Dementia with Lewy Bodies Of the forms of dementia caused by degeneration of the tissues in the brain, dementia with Lewy bodies is the second most common type after Alzheimer’s disease. Frontotemporal Dementia Frontotemporal dementias are among the most common dementias that strike at younger ages. Symptoms typically start between the ages of 40 and 65, but FTD can strike young adults and those who are older. Vascular Dementia Vascular dementia is caused by damage to brain tissue, which occurs because of decreased blood flow.