Alzheimer's disease and dementia explained

Dementia is the extreme deterioration of memory and orientation. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia.
Rare before the age of 65, it begins with lapses of memory, mood swings and difficulty in finding the right words for everyday things.
In the later stages of Alzheimer's, people may start behaving strangely, like getting up in the middle of the night or wandering off from home and getting lost.

People affected by Alzheimer's should live as normal a life as possible for as long as they can. Memory aids and familiar routines are helpful. Eventually, the person becomes totally dependent or bed-bound, needing close supervision and eventually nursing care.