[Music] Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disorder that causes the brain cells to degenerate and die it is the most common cause of dementia which is a continuous decline in thinking behavioral and social skills it affects about 8,500 Alaskans and 5.4 million people nationwide the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss other common symptoms include difficulty in thinking and reasoning difficulty in making decisions and judgments difficulty in planning and performing familiar tasks and changes in personality and behavior Alzheimer's disease is caused by a combination of genetic lifestyle and environmental factors that affect the brain over time scientists think that plaques and tangles build up and disrupt the transport system of nerves the diagnosis is usually made with neuropsychological testing and brain imaging studies it's important for you or a loved one to seek medical attention early if you or they are showing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease as there are many lifestyle strategies and a few medications that can slow down the disease [Music]