Home > Learn About Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a term that is used to describe a group of brain disorders. These brain disorders cause memory loss and make it harder to carry out daily tasks. Alzheimer's involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. The disease affects the brain in different ways. One effect is that a key brain chemical is lost. It is called acetylcholine. In part, this loss can contribute to some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
The cause of Alzheimer's is not yet known. Age is the main known risk factor.
Compare the signs of what could be normal aging with the signs of Alzheimer's:
| Normal Aging | Early Signs of Alzheimer's |
| Forgetting the names of people you rarely see | Forgetting the names of people close to you |
| Briefly forgetting part of an experience | Forgetting a recent experience |
| Occasionally not being able to find something |
Not being able to find important things |
| Mood changes because of an appropriate cause | Having unpredictable mood changes |
| Changes in your interests | Decreased interest in outside activities |
Look for common Alzheimer's symptoms
Learn how the stages of Alzheimer's affect function and cognition.
Fill out the symptom screener to see if your loved one might have it
What seems like normal aging could really be Alzheimer's. Answering a few
questions
will help you determine if a visit to the doctor is necessary.
Discover how ARICEPT can slow the progression of symptoms
ARICEPT is the only Alzheimer's treatment that is approved for all stages of the disease.
Sign up for a free kit with information on Alzheimer's disease and ARICEPT.
ARICEPT® (donepezil HCl tablets) is indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
Important Safety Information
ARICEPT is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. Some people who take ARICEPT may experience fainting. Some people may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bruising, or not sleep well. Some people may have muscle cramps or loss of appetite or may feel tired. In studies these were usually mild and temporary. For full prescribing information, please visit Prescribing Information.
This Web site contains information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment. Such information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing a health problem or disease. In order for you to make intelligent health care decisions, you should always consult with a physician or other health care provider for your, or your loved one's, personal medical needs.
All quotes included in this Web site represent the individual experience of some doctors, some patients, and their caregivers. Individual responses to ARICEPT treatment may vary. Actual identities have been changed to protect individual privacy.
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