Definition

1. Noun:
   • A progressive neurological disorder: Alzheimer's is a specific, progressive form of dementia that leads to the deterioration of memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills, severely affecting a person's ability to function independently.

Usage

• The term "Alzheimer's" is used as a proper noun, often with the possessive form "Alzheimer's" (short for Alzheimer's disease). It refers specifically to the disease itself.
• It is typically used in medical, caregiving, and general contexts to discuss the condition, its effects, research, or treatment.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year.
  • Research into the causes of Alzheimer's is ongoing.
  • The early stages of Alzheimer's often involve short-term memory loss.

Advanced Usage

• "Familial Alzheimer's": A rare form of the disease caused by specific genetic mutations, often with an earlier onset.
  • The study focused on families with a history of familial Alzheimer's.
• "Alzheimer's patient/caregiver": Common compound terms specifying a person with the disease or someone who cares for them.
  • Support groups are available for Alzheimer's caregivers.

Variants and Related Words

• Alzheimer's disease (n): The full, formal name of the condition.
  • Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
• Dementia (n): The general term for a group of symptoms affecting memory and thinking abilities, of which Alzheimer's is a specific type.
  • Not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer's.

Synonyms

• Senile dementia (of the Alzheimer type): An older, less specific term.
• Neurodegenerative disease: A broader category that includes Alzheimer's.

Related Phrases

• "To battle/fight Alzheimer's": To actively cope with or fund research against the disease.
  • They organized a walk to fight Alzheimer's.
• "Alzheimer's awareness": Efforts to educate the public about the disease.
  • September is Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

Noun

1. a progressive form of presenile dementia that is similar to senile dementia except that it usually starts in the 40s or 50s; first symptoms are impaired memory which is followed by impaired thought and speech and finally complete helplessness