It is a progressive disorder in which the brain cells degenerate and die, leading to dementia. It affects thinking and mental abilities of the individuals, leading to difficulties in performing daily activities.

Following are the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease:
- Loss of memory is the main symptom
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Forgetting conversations and appointments
- Misplacing items routinely
- Having trouble finding the right words while speaking
- Eventually, forget the names of even family members and friends

Multiple factors, including lifestyle, genetics and environment, may lead to Alzheimer's disease. The disruption of the normal functioning of the brain and multiple toxic events cause progressive loss of memory. Researchers are now focussed on plaques and tangles, which are the two proteins found to play a role in Alzheimer's disease. However, the exact cause of this condition is still unclear.

The following factors increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease:
- Family history
- Genetics
- Increasing age
- Head trauma in the past
- Poor sleep pattern
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Lack of exercise
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Smoking habits

Yes, with the progression of the disease, the individual may start experiencing the following complications:
- Difficulty describing pain and other problems
- Forgetting to take medications
- Falls
- Fractures
- Infections
- Aspiration of food and liquids in the lungs
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition