Alzheimer's disease was first described in 1907 by German neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer. It is one of the most common causes resulting in dementia. Under the term «dementia» various progressive degenerative brain syndromes which affect memory, thinking, behavior and emotions, are incorporated. Characteristics for dementia go as follows:
- Loss of memory,
- Difficulties in word correct usage or in understanding what other people say;
- Difficulties in daily work performance;
- Changes in mood and personal qualities.
Dementia is a serious loss of cognitive ability in a previously-unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging. It does not know either social, or economic, ethnic, geographic borders. Usually it manifests itself after 40-50 years, but earlier manifestation of disease has been registered in 28. Although each affected person experiences dementia in his own way, however, not everyone is able to take care of him/herself and is in constant need of daily care.
Currently there is no specific test available for the diagnostics of Alzheimer's disease allowing the exact diagnosis of the mentioned disease. Therefore, the doctor should exclude all those diseases resulting in the development of dementia symptoms, especially the ones being subject to treatment: infections, traumas, tumors, mental disorders. Even excluding other diseases, the diagnostics of Alzheimer's disease is still not defined. It is possible to define only by microscopic examination which is usually performed after death. Sometimes the given examination is performed among living people for which brain biopsy is taken.
In 2003 the total number of those registered with dementia was about 18 million, 66% of whom lived in developing countries. By 2025 the number will increase to 34 million, 75% of which will be in developing countries. According to international statistics 30 000 people are considered to suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is intensively studied all over the world; however, the final treatment of the disease won’t emerge in the nearest future. Therefore patients with dementia and their caregivers are in need of continuous help and assistance.