Growing older has both its advantages and disadvantages. People often become far more comfortable in their own skin, they've raised their families, had a career, and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. Unfortunately, health concerns can interfere with this gratification. This is especially true if one is worried about the possibility of being one of three senior Americans who dies from Alzheimer's disease. Here is what you should know about this all too increasingly common condition.

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in the United States. It is a neurological condition which causes cognitive decline and memory loss. While it is most common in older adults, there is also a rare early-onset form that affects people as young as their thirties.

What Are The Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Disease?

Failure to retain new information or recall past information is one of the hallmarks of the condition. This can lead to repeatedly asking the same things as they don't recall the answer, losing things, getting lost in previously familiar areas, and forgetting important details. They may put something on the stove and forget something is cooking, which is obviously dangerous.

Another symptom of Alzheimer's disease is forgetting how to do things. They may suddenly no longer know how to balance their bank account or light the pilot light on their gas stove. Activities that require multiple steps increasingly become impossible. They forget how to spell words, write, read, or perform mathematical calculations.

Additionally, there are personality changes. The person with Alzheimer's may become temperamental, especially in the early stages when they are still cognizant enough to recognize their declining abilities, which results in fear and frustration. They may become antisocial or overly emotional. Typical signs of depression, such as showing no interest in anything, are also common. In later stages, they may exhibit behavior that is socially unacceptable, like walking around naked.

What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?

Scientists have not pinpointed a single cause of Alzheimer's disease. The current thought is it is likely a combination of lifestyle, the environment, and genetics, as well as advancing age and the normal decline and cell death that occurs. Smoking or heavy drinking, poor diet, chemical sensitivities, and a family history may all play a role, and as medical technology lengthens the lifespan, the rate of Alzheimer's disease is expected to increase.

For older adults who are concerned about developing the condition, especial if they have a family history, they can consider undergoing genetic testing. The APOE gene variant has three different subtypes. APOE₃ is the most common and is considered neutral. APOE₂ is found in less than 10 percent of the population and is considered to result in a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. In 10-15 percent of the population, the APOE₄ variant is found, and this represents an increased risk. Having any of these APOE genetic variants neither predicts nor eliminates the risk, but many people take comfort from understanding their personal genetics better. The genetic testing can also aid physicians in a diagnosis as there is no one official test.