What Is Alzheimer's Disease Also Known As?

Alzheimer's disease, widely recognized as a leading form of dementia, is also referred to as senile dementia, presenile dementia, or simply cognitive decline. Medically termed Alzheimer's disease (AD), this progressive neurological disorder was first identified in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer. He documented the case of a 51-year-old woman named Auguste Deter, who exhibited severe memory loss and behavioral abnormalities. After closely monitoring her condition and conducting a post-mortem examination of her brain, Dr. Alzheimer discovered abnormal clumps—now known as amyloid plaques—and tangled bundles of fibers, which became hallmark signs of the disease. In 1910, the medical community officially named the condition after him.

Understanding the Clinical Features of Alzheimer's

The most prominent symptom of Alzheimer's disease is a steady decline in memory function. This includes both short-term memory loss, such as forgetting recent conversations or events, and eventually long-term memory deterioration, where individuals may no longer recognize close family members or recall personal life milestones. As the disease progresses, patients struggle with basic cognitive functions like learning new information, solving problems, or following familiar routines.

Cognitive and Behavioral Changes

Beyond memory impairment, Alzheimer's significantly impacts a person's ability to process information and adapt to new situations. Individuals often experience a reduced capacity for critical thinking and decision-making. Additionally, the disease commonly triggers emotional and psychological disturbances. Many patients develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood swings, and even personality changes such as increased irritability or social withdrawal. In later stages, delusions, hallucinations, and sleep disruptions may also occur.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer's can lead to timely medical intervention, which may help slow symptom progression and improve quality of life. While there is currently no cure, treatments are available to manage symptoms and support brain health. Ongoing research continues to explore potential therapies targeting the underlying causes of the disease, including plaque buildup and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.

As awareness grows worldwide, understanding what Alzheimer's disease is—and what it's also called—plays a crucial role in reducing stigma, encouraging early diagnosis, and supporting affected individuals and their families through compassionate care and advanced medical strategies.