Without a doubt, an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis is perhaps the most frightening prognosis that can be received. Debilitating at best, Alzheimer's symptoms are so serious that most people with advanced stage Alzheimer's require full-time care.

Some assume that Alzheimer's disease merely affects the memory of a person. This can be true, but only in the early stages of the disease. In the case of Auguste Deter in 1901, the first person to be diagnosed, her symptoms began lightly, and only gradually did it begin to take its toll. Admitted into a mental institution, she was treated by Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who treated her with several tests. At first memory loss seemed the only culprit. But in time her condition grew worse. Overtaking her entire brain, it seemed Auguste Deter had lost any ability to function on her own will.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) affects 4 million people in this country alone, and is associated with memory loss, confusion, special orientation problems, mood swings, delusions, and language difficulties, among other symptoms. Alzheimer's is most common in older patients, and lasts on average 10 years (largely related to the effect Alzheimer's has on limiting survival). Before the age of 65 1 in 1000 people will develop Alzheimer's. After 65, it affects 1 in 50, and after age 80 the risk is 1 on 5. Nursing home care is necessary at some point, often at the 6-year mark. Risk factors for AD are family history, age, and Down's syndrome.