Alzheimer's disease

American  

[ahlts-hahy-merz, alts-, awlts-] / ˈɑlts haɪ mərz, ˈælts-, ˈɔlts- /

Or Alzheimer disease

noun

Pathology.

1. a common form of dementia, believed to be caused by changes in the brain, usually beginning in late middle age, characterized by memory lapses, confusion, emotional instability, and progressive loss of mental ability.

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Alzheimer's disease British  

/ ˈæltsˌhaɪməz /

noun

1. Often shortened to: Alzheimer's.  a disorder of the brain resulting in a progressive decline in intellectual and physical abilities and eventual dementia

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Alzheimer's disease Scientific  

/ äls′hī-mərz /

1. A progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, commonly affecting the elderly, and associated with the development of amyloid plaques in the cerebral cortex. It is characterized by confusion, disorientation, memory failure, speech disturbances, and eventual dementia. The cause is unknown. Alzheimer's disease is named for its identifier, German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer (1864–1915).

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Alzheimer's disease Cultural  

1. A disease in which mental capacity decreases because of the breakdown of brain cells.

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Discover More

Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of loss of intellectual function in middle-aged and elderly people.

Etymology

Origin of Alzheimer's disease

Named after Alois Alzheimer (1864–1915), German neurologist, who described it in 1907

Example Sentences

Scientists are exploring how snake venom could address cancer, strokes and Alzheimer’s disease, she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The deal fits neatly into Lilly’s neuroscience business that already includes Alzheimer’s disease treatment Kisunla and the migraine shot Emgality.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

They say his cognitive abilities "were not consistent with Alzheimer's disease", which the court heard could not be conclusively diagnosed until an autopsy could be performed after his death.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

More than 55 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer's disease, which is driven by the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

“Because he has something called Alzheimer’s disease, Merci,” he says.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina