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Who Is Affected by Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of decline in mental abilities (dementia).

Alzheimer's usually affects aging adults. The disease is uncommon in people younger than 65 and is rare before the age of 45. Close to half of the people with the disease are between the ages of 75 and 85.

A rare, inherited form of the disease may affect some people as early as their 40s. This is called autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease or early-onset Alzheimer's.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter J. Whitehouse, MD - Neurology
Last Revised January 11, 2011

Last Revised: January 11, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine & Peter J. Whitehouse, MD - Neurology

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