IntroductionAlzheimer's disease is a cognitive disorder characterized by the progressive loss of memory and physical function in humans. It is the most common cause of memory loss especially in old age. The onset of Alzheimer's disease is slow and symptoms appear as early as 10 years before full diagnosis. This condition is named after the scientist who first described it, Alois Alzheimer. Alois Alzheimer was a German-born pathologist who also practiced psychiatric medicine. He first described the condition in 1906. The disease commonly affects people over the age of 65, although it may occur earlier due to genetic risk factors (Stern, 2012). CausesThe main cause is the degeneration of brain cells known as neurons. loss of memory function of the brain. Neurons are responsible for transmitting impulses in the brain. The transmission of impulses occurs through the help of chemicals known as neurotransmitters produced by neurons. When neurons degenerate and eventually die in Alzheimer's disease, information transmission in the brain ceases. The hippocampus is the part of the human brain responsible for memory. In patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, neurons in this part degenerate leading to loss of brain function (Stern, 2012). The cerebral cortex plays a role in language and association. Alzheimer's disease also destroys the neurons in this region, leading to the loss of their function and culminating in the characteristic symptoms of the disease. Scientists attribute the degeneration of neurons in the brain to apoptosis. Apoptosis is programmed cell death. A myriad of natural and man-made factors initiate premat...... middle of paper... and scrabble is an effective way to stay mentally fit to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. For those already suffering from Alzheimer's disease, therapeutic and pharmaceutical interventions can help patients live a quality life (Citron, 2010). Therapeutic measures include support groups for people with Alzheimer's disease and the provision of day care facilities for people in advanced stages. This ensures that they can live a quality life regardless of cognitive impairment. Family support and assistance are essential to ensure that dementia patients do not harm themselves. The drugs used to manage Alzheimer's disease mainly belong to the class of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors. These include Donepezil and Memantine HCl which help manage symptoms in mild and advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease (Howard et al, 2012).