alzheimer's disease: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common specific cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases.

Yes, though it is rare. Early-onset Alzheimer's can affect people in their 40s and 50s. The vast majority of cases are late-onset, occurring after age 65.

In most cases, the role of genetics is complex. A family history increases risk, but most cases are not directly inherited in a simple pattern. Specific genetic mutations are known to cause some early-onset familial forms.

Normal ageing might involve occasionally misplacing keys or forgetting a name. Alzheimer's involves progressive, disabling memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting how to perform familiar tasks or getting lost in well-known places.

A progressive neurological disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes, typically affecting older adults.

Alzheimer's disease is usually medical, academic, journalistic, everyday (especially when discussing elderly care) in register.

Alzheimer's disease: in British English it is pronounced /ˈaltshʌɪməz dɪˈziːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːltshaɪmərz dɪˈziːz/ or /ˈælts-/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.