Alzheimer's disease is a form of extreme dementia associated with progressive loss in memory, ability to speak, and ability to think and judge properly. These are very broad symptoms. This disease is relatively common among older people, especially those of age 60 or greater. AD is the most common form of Dementia. There are generally considered to be two types of AD: Early onset AD and Late onset AD.
Late onset AD is commonly associated with older people (60 or greater), and is far far more common than Early onset AD. The most likely reason for the lesser frequency of Early onset AD revolves around very specific, rare gene variations . people who contract early onset AD can look at their family tree and likely locate other relatives who also contracted early onset AD.
Late onset AD is less related to genetics. this does not mean, however, that Late onset AD is a natural part of aging.
Alzheimer's disease in general is not a natural part of aging. What is more disconcerting is that there is no determined cause for this illness. Scientists have suggested that genes and environmental factors play a role for causing the disease, but this is not for certain.
So this leads to the problem of treatment, or the lack of treatment options. There is no known cure for AD, only methods of prolonging the illness. Even by administering drugs to AD patients, they have a minimal effect in slowing the process of progressive brain failure in AD patients.
Preventing this disease is not really easy, because scientists don't know the definite cause of AD. All scientists can do is suggest keeping a stable blood pressure, exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and try to stay mentally and socially active throughout life.
It is clear to me that AD is a disease that has few if any signs of treatment. And this disease effects more than just a few americans. 1 in 8 individuals age 65 or greater have Alzheimer's. How close might a cure possibly be? and how important is it to spend money for Alzheimer research right now?
Currently there isn't a cure close because, as yous said, there is not any found reason as to why this occurs. There has been testing on the chemicals in the brain to see if that could be the cause but no results have been found to prove whether or not a specific deficiency or surplus of any chemical. There was also a study that it could be possible that consistent lack of sleep when you are younger. I think before finding a cure we are going to have to find the reason as to why AD occurs. Until then, prolonging it may be all we can do.