Alzheimer's disease

Or Alz·hei·mer disease

[ahlts-hahy-merz, alts-, awlts-]

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.

Alzheimer's disease

/ 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

Alzheimer's disease

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).

Alzheimer's disease

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Alzheimer's disease¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Alzheimer's disease¹

C20: named after A. Alzheimer (1864–1915), German physician who first identified it

Example Sentences

As well as revealing something fundamental about how our brains allow us to navigate, the scientists say the findings could help to diagnose Alzheimer's Disease.

From BBC

His lawyer pleaded with the judge, saying Baca had Alzheimer’s disease that amounted to its own terrible punishment, “a sentence that will leave him a mere shell of his former self.”

From Los Angeles Times

Eventually, Carmen will wonder if she herself is Roxie, an existential dilemma that Ortega refuses to understand as a mere symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

From Los Angeles Times

A new blood test for Alzheimer's disease which could revolutionise diagnosis was announced this week, but some experts said they were worried more money was being spent on looking for a cure rather than helping people with the condition now.

From BBC

Ortega’s one-woman show was inspired by her mother, Carmen, whose memory is in decline due to Alzheimer’s disease.

From Los Angeles Times