Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior.  Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.  Dementia is a general term for memory loss and other cognitive problems that are serious enough to interfere with daily life.

Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.  Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues.  Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop the disease from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms, and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing. 

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Facts and Figures in California, 2021

 New! Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Facts and Figures in California: Current Status and Future Projections, January 2021 (PDF) report.

​​Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers  

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.

Most likely, dementia does not increase risk for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus, just like dementia does not increase risk for flu. However, dementia-related behaviors, increased age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia may increase risk.

English: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Dementia Caregivers (PDF)

Spanish: Coronavirus (COVID-19): consejos para cuidadores de demencia (PDF)

For additional information, visit the Alzheimer's Association's COVID-19 Tips for Dementia Caregivers website.