Patients and Families
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic degenerative disease, starting slowly and gradually worsens over time. It is the cause of 60-80% of all cases of dementia. Alzheimer’s is thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms arise. The disease is the only one of our top killers that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed, and it imposes a high cost on society.
Early Symptoms
The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation, mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self-care, behavioral issues and depression (Alzheimers Association, 2019 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Report).
When a patient’s condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of progression can vary, the typical life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years.
Halting Alzheimer’s will have great benefits for patients, families and society
Alzheimer’s impacts quality of life for the patients as well as increasing the burden on their families and carers. Halting and reversing Alzheimer’s disease progression with a disease-modifying treatment would lead to great benefits for patients, families and caregivers and cost savings for society considering the large cost for the care of patients with dementia.
Learn more
Find out more about Alzheimer’s disease, its impact on society and patients as well as the unmet medical need.
