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Alzheimer's / Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that affects as many as 5.1 million Americans. It slowly destroys brain function, leading to:

  • cognitive decline (e.g., memory loss, language difficulty, poor executive function);
  • behavioral and psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, delusions, agitation); and
  • declines in functional status (e.g., ability to engage in activities of daily living (ADLs) and self-care).

In addition to Alzheimer’s disease, ASPE’s work addresses related dementias, consistent with the approach Congress used in National Alzheimer’s Project Act.

Related dementias include frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Lewy body, mixed, and vascular dementias.