Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disease. It is the most common form of dementia, which refers to any condition characterized by impairment of brain function.

Multiple factors including genetics, lifestyle and environment increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The strongest risk factors are increased age and family history or genetic heredity.

As of now, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Some studies have shown that certain preventable factors can help mitigate the onset of the disease, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, prevention of cardiovascular disease, maintaining strong social connections, and staying mentally active

Much of the research surrounding Alzheimer's disease is focused on early diagnosis and reducing the risk of developing the disease. Aducanumab is the first therapy approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's disease by removing the beta-amyloid plaque that causes brain decline. However, this is not a cure.