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Introduction to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Updated: May 3

  • Between 60-80% of dementia is caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

  • This disease was named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer who first described this syndrome.

  • Symptoms of dementia are different from normal changes as we age.

  • The symptoms of dementia include four sides: memory, thinking, physical, and behavior.

  • ~5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly one hundred thousand individuals in San Diego County are diagnosed with dementia.

  • Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease: age (> 65-year-old), sex (female > male), genetics and family history, education level, head trauma (athletes), Down syndrome, and health factors: hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and hearing loss.

  • Diet/nutrition (good for the heart is also good for the brain), exercise and physical activity, intellectual activity, social connections, emotional health, and quality sleep.

  • Three stages of Alzheimer’s disease: early/mild, middle/moderate, and late/severe.

Living with Alzheimer’s is physically, emotionally, and financially demanding; Alzheimer's San Diego is a great place to get support.


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