Alzheimer’s disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects your ability to remember things and think clearly. Alzheimer's usually begins after age 60 and nearly half of people age 85 and older may have Alzheimer’s.

The National Institutes of Health have a Web site that explains what this disease is, how it affects you, what research is being done, as wellas advice for caregivers. They have also published a useful booklet, Understanding Alzheimer's Disease, that you can download for free. Click here to go to their Web site to learn more.