Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, eventually becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 percent to 80 percent of all dementia cases. The greatest known risk factor of this disease is old age. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.

There is no cure or treatment that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease from progressing. Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs may help reduce some symptoms and help control some behavioral symptoms. The medications are Razadyne® (galantamine), Exelon® (rivastigmine), and Aricept® (donepezil).