Alzheimer's disease is characterized by gradual memory loss for recent events and the inability to learn new information. The patient is aware of what happened years before but somehow can't remember what he or she just did 10 minutes ago. That person may forget a close relative's name, can't find a way home or misplace objects.

As things get worse, the patient becomes increasingly irritable, confused and restless. He or she may laugh or cry at inappropriate times, ask the same questions repeatedly and suddenly become angry for no apparent reason at all. These symptoms differ from person to person and may occur in a few days or months.

"Although at first the person seems physically unaffected by the disease, as the condition advances the patient becomes restless, always moving about, and must be watched so that he or she does not wander away or into danger. Endless repetition of unnecessary actions, such as the opening and closing of drawers, is another characteristic of the disease. Some victims of Alzheimer's disease may become extremely agitated with little or no provocation," according to the editors of Consumer Guide's Family Health & Medical Guide.

Since many of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease mimic the normal signs of aging, no single test can accurately diagnose the condition. The doctor may recommend a thorough physical and neurological evaluation. However, many patients get worse by the time the disease is identified. At this point, very little can be done for the patient.

Ironically, most cases of Alzheimer's disease come to light only after death when an autopsy is made. This reveals the abnormal changes found in the brain of those with the disorder.

"In Alzheimer's, as in any senile disorder, there is atrophy (shrinkage or wasting) of the cerebral cortex (the outer layer of the brain which is mostly concerned with intellectual and social functioning). There are also more specific abnormalities, such as the presence of tangles of fibers within the nerve cells and of senile plaques, which are probably deposits of amyloid (a semisolid protein complex seen in many degenerative diseases)," according to the editors of Family Health & Medical Guide.

"These abnormal changes are scattered throughout the cortex of a person with Alzheimer's, and serve to distinguish the disease from other forms of senility. Because brain biopsy specimens (tissue samples taken from the brain for laboratory examination) are not obtained without very specific reasons and without intention of specific treatment, these changes are usually seen only after death," they added.

What causes these abnormal tissue changes? That puzzle has not been solved. Researchers are looking at genetic factors, abnormal protein production, viruses, and toxic exposure as possible causes of Alzheimer's disease.

An enzyme deficiency has been proposed as the cause of the condition. This theory drew attention after it was learned that the brain of some patients lacked choline-acetyl-transferase which is required to manufacture a chemical called acetylcholine (an important neurotransmitter in the brain. Other neurotransmitter deficiencies are being explored. So far, there are no definite answers yet.

What is known is that the disease is not contagious but appears to be inherited. Those with a family history of Alzheimer's disease are more likely to acquire it later. Age is another contributing factor.

Is there any connection between the use of aluminum pots and pans and Alzheimer's disease? Find out in the fourth part of this series. To enhance your memory and support healthy brain function, take Neurovar. For more information on this powerful supplement, go to http://www.neurovar.com/.