Alzheimer's disease is a disease that belongs to dementia diseases, it is related to a gradual degeneration of neurons in different parts of the brain which are responsible for thought, memory and language. The disease is characterized with a process of memory loss, confusion and physical exhaustion. The process of the disease is gradual, it is being expressed by a decrease of cognitive functioning which is accompanied with worsening memory problems, with character changes (sometimes with a tendency to grumpiness), dementia and a loss of significant parts of daily functioning appear in the progressed situation of the disease.
The outbreak of the disease is related to varied factors: genetics, gender, nutrition (a chronic deficiency of B12 vitamin, folic acid, zinc, selenium), behavioral factors.
Recently, it is becoming clearer that preserving vigorous cerebral activity (studying, solving crossword puzzles, memory and puzzle games) might help preventing or delaying the outbreak of the disease.