Memory is said to decline with age, and this may simply be a natural part of life. However, in many cases, as people age, they develop a mental disorder called Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and general behavior, and gradually becomes a more serious problem. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and a very common disease in people over 65 years of age. This terminal illness places enormous stress on the victim and their family. A cure for Alzheimer's disease has not yet been discovered; However, through consistent healthy use of the brain and with the help of certain drug treatments, Alzheimer's disease can be prevented both naturally and medically. In 1906, a German doctor named Dr. Alois Alzheimer cared for a patient who was struggling with severe memory problems and confusion issues and was having tremendous difficulty understanding basic questions and functions. Alzheimer suspected the disease had more to do with inherent memory loss. During a brain autopsy, he discovered that there were deposits of neuritic plaques surrounding the nerve cells and twisted fibers, called neurofibrillary tangles, inside the nerve cells. These observations became the definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Plaques and tangles that develop are a natural part of aging; however, they develop much more aggressively in victims of Alzheimer's disease. The plaques and tangles then block communication between nerve cells and disrupt cellular processes, eventually killing them. This destruction causes memory loss, personality changes, and problems performing daily functions. Alzheimer's disease mainly attacks memory. A victim in an advanced stage of the disease may...... middle of paper ...... and glaucoma. Internet. November 8, 2011. “The Human Brain – Watch Your Head.” Internet. November 11, 2011. "Marijuana May Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease - Health - Alzheimer's Disease - Msnbc.com." Msnbc.com - Latest News, Science & Technology News, World News, US News, Local News - Msnbc.com. Internet. November 11, 2011. “Preventing Alzheimer's disease with NSAIDs? - Dr. Weil. » DrWeil.com - Official website of Andrew Weil, MD Web. November 11, 2011. “The search for AD prevention strategies.” National Institute on Aging. Internet. November 11. 2011. .