Background | Talk Alzheimer's

What is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer’s is a disease in the brain. It makes our brain sick by making the memory worse. It also makes it hard to talk and do tasks that were once easy.

The Science

Wires

Our brain is made up of little wires that talk with each other.

Signals

They send signals and make connections with other wires that tell us to move our feet, laugh, cry, and think.

Alzheimer's Wires

In a brain with Alzheimer’s, these wires start to die and can’t talk with each other anymore.

What Happens

When we don’t have the right signal in our brain, it makes it hard to remember how to do things, what is right and wrong, or remember what is appropriate.

Learn More

If you are interested in what exactly happens in the brain, kids health has great information on their website.

Why does my Grandparent have Alzheimer's?

It can be confusing and frustrating that our grandparents have this disease while our friends’ grandparents do not. Scientists still do not really know what causes someone to get Alzheimer’s. Some things that can make you likely to get the disease include age, genetics, and lifestyle.

Risk Factors

Age

You are more likely if to get Alzheimer's if you are 60+ years of age. But, early onset Alzheimer's affects adults starting from age 30.

Genes

Having someone in your family with Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean you will get it. However, it could mean you’re more likely to get it. There is still research going on to identify if there are any determining genes of Alzheimer’s.

Life

Scientists are looking into other diseases and how that can cause Alzheimer’s. Having a healthy lifestyle with enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition are factors that can help you and your brain stay healthy as you age. More risk factors can be seen here.

Do not worry

Our goal is to show you that the disease doesn’t have to be scary. People with Alzheimer's disease can still enjoy daily life and continue relationships with their friends and family.