When the topic of dementia is brought up, the discussion will invariably turn towards Alzheimer's disease; other forms of dementia are often forgotten even though they are all important.

Alzheimer's disease gradually causes deterioration in the memory and is currently affecting one in ten of people aged 65 and over; the ability to diagnose the problem however, has increased with an accuracy figure of approximately ninety percent.

The world started focusing on the disease only about thirty years ago although was first discovered in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer, a German physician; its effects are not fully understood even today with all the research that has been carried out.

Studies have shown that the greatest known risk for developing Alzheimer's is increasing age. Many people experiencing the first signs of Alzheimer's are unwilling to admit to themselves or others that there is anything wrong; this can be difficult for friends and relations who do not know what the problem is.

Dementia covers quite a broad spectrum of problems but they are all, including Alzheimer's disease, currently treated in a similar fashion.

Stalling the progression and possibly improving the condition is about the best that can currently be achieved with drugs but no definitive treatment has yet been discovered.

The mental abilities of an Alzheimer's disease sufferer can be improved with the use of prescribed medication like Donepezil, Tacrine, and Rivastigmine; these have helped many patients with improvements in their mental faculties although this is only in the short term.

A new drug, Memantine is helping to slow down the mental decline during the later phases and is similar to the anti-influenza treatment Amantadine; it is now usually prescribed to Alzheimer's patients who are already using Donepezil.

The side effects of using Memantine are low, and it's the first drug shown to have an effect on the symptoms of moderate to severe cases; more than 80 percent of the Memantine excreted is unchanged by the kidneys.

Owing to an increase in the life span of people around the world, Alzheimer's disease has become a major health issue; this disease is now the fourth largest cause of death in America alone.

The economic cost of treating and providing care for those with this type of aging disease another issue to be addressed; with an annual cost of 40 billion US dollars for care and treatment, looking after patients is set to be a major problem.

The National Institute on Aging spends half of its annual funding on research into this age related disease; there are currently hundreds of substances being tested for treatments around the world.

One way to help lower the risk of dementia and one that you can have responsibility for is to change how you live by eating healthily and taking regular exercise.

Researchers believe that a person suffering with Alzheimer's who maintains their health and happiness slows down the deteriorating effects.

At the moment, the disease is still primarily affecting the aged; however, there have been incidents where a younger person has contracted the disease although it is hoped these will not increase.

If younger people are getting the disease then it makes me suspect even more that the cause is food and environmental toxins.

Tell me what you think about this topic. Whether you agree or disagree with my suspicion,let me know.