CINXE.COM
Alzheimer's and dementia | National Institute on Aging
<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="content: http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/ dc: http://purl.org/dc/terms/ foaf: http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/ og: http://ogp.me/ns# rdfs: http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema# schema: http://schema.org/ sioc: http://rdfs.org/sioc/ns# sioct: http://rdfs.org/sioc/types# skos: http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core# xsd: http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema# "> <head> <!-- Google Tag Manager --> <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-53R7F4'); </script> <script src="/themes/nia/assets/js/uswds-init.min.js"></script> <!-- End Google Tag Manager --> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <script src="https://www.googleoptimize.com/optimize.js?id=OPT-N4XKLJV" async="async"></script> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia" /> <link rel="image_src" href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/themes/nia/images/national-institute-on-aging-logo.png" /> <meta name="google" content="UA-21881078-1" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="National Institute on Aging" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Alzheimer's and dementia" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.nia.nih.gov/themes/nia/images/national-institute-on-aging-logo.png" /> <meta property="article:author" content="https://www.facebook.com/NIHAging/" /> <meta property="article:publisher" content="https://www.facebook.com/NIHAging/" /> <meta itemprop="name" content="Alzheimer's and dementia" /> <meta itemprop="image" content="https://www.nia.nih.gov/themes/nia/images/national-institute-on-aging-logo.png" /> <link rel="author" href="https://plus.google.com/106076246023933958127" /> <link rel="publisher" href="https://plus.google.com/106076246023933958127" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@NIHAging" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Alzheimer's and dementia" /> <meta name="twitter:url" content="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.nia.nih.gov/themes/nia/images/national-institute-on-aging-logo.png" /> <meta name="msvalidate.01" content="F345049609E2ACACB6942F8EAA5644B0" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <meta http-equiv="x-ua-compatible" content="ie=edge" /> <link rel="icon" href="/themes/nia/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia" /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="Alzheimer&#039;s and dementia" href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/taxonomy/term/3738/feed" /> <title>Alzheimer's and dementia | National Institute on Aging</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_GOcuJpAbOR5981u61-lUTU-0N96bZHnpCxFmX1n6fCQ.css?delta=0&language=en&theme=nia&include=eJx1jmEOwjAIRi_UrEcitGMVbctSqHO3txp_mFgTQuB7LwFUJQOuV4omzUdVH8RMCjRKLNXhrxClGtVXONBM2Dj1RnDBeNMZ35tsnAm4YKI_QhFQXilgmwkHhU1amaFTuvVALozrYDJq918z8Hjf6alGZeRKrjL6lCVgdvSwzPXm19Z3zMtndXemQ_27L0XWnukJNJZ6ww" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="//fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Merriweather|Merriweather+Sans|Source+Sans+Pro" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="//cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/flexslider/2.6.3/flexslider.css" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_iR-nLCfgOS4lG9f5SQB4HIlSNsb_HIwiuorKsgksC14.css?delta=3&language=en&theme=nia&include=eJx1jmEOwjAIRi_UrEcitGMVbctSqHO3txp_mFgTQuB7LwFUJQOuV4omzUdVH8RMCjRKLNXhrxClGtVXONBM2Dj1RnDBeNMZ35tsnAm4YKI_QhFQXilgmwkHhU1amaFTuvVALozrYDJq918z8Hjf6alGZeRKrjL6lCVgdvSwzPXm19Z3zMtndXemQ_27L0XWnukJNJZ6ww" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_jYGlhW64jCN2yAt78P7br43zICvl0Nub0C0D_MwEdvo.css?delta=4&language=en&theme=nia&include=eJx1jmEOwjAIRi_UrEcitGMVbctSqHO3txp_mFgTQuB7LwFUJQOuV4omzUdVH8RMCjRKLNXhrxClGtVXONBM2Dj1RnDBeNMZ35tsnAm4YKI_QhFQXilgmwkHhU1amaFTuvVALozrYDJq918z8Hjf6alGZeRKrjL6lCVgdvSwzPXm19Z3zMtndXemQ_27L0XWnukJNJZ6ww" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/asset_injector/css/bottom_region-7cb715a152a28253010e491fd59c7ec8.css?smzy2y" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/asset_injector/css/content_inset-3fc7f8a226436c56c43a0941942962dd.css?smzy2y" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/asset_injector/css/figure_hacks-d47ad3f5a6b7ece2ecf2c59a7273835d.css?smzy2y" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/asset_injector/css/profile_image-3597a3fb3806a1de25a93b078d3725b9.css?smzy2y" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/asset_injector/css/promo_sidebar-fffc2140a47c81625f7a4006c84b11b6.css?smzy2y" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/asset_injector/css/webform-8770ab7655615872cf55981207df9266.css?smzy2y" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/asset_injector/css/youtube-c6ebc5d5f232d3478b6e51287d9d1a3e.css?smzy2y" /> <!-- our project just needs Font Awesome Solid + Brands --> <link href="/themes/nia/assets/fontawesome/fontawesome/css/fontawesome.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="/themes/nia/assets/fontawesome/fontawesome/css/brands.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="/themes/nia/assets/fontawesome/fontawesome/css/solid.css" rel="stylesheet"> <script src="/themes/nia/js/modernizr-custom.js?v=3.11.7"></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_7UpbaDRtnJWgpN_Lp1Et4CiQ5CNA27_KXK2c-cqLFvo.js?scope=header&delta=1&language=en&theme=nia&include=eJxFitEKgCAMAH9otE8aU2eoQ00n1N8XEQT3cAfn2Bey9tDR_U55Qk2MuzbHCvlYMi5aiSRG8TYxcpD3YJVhE-Q0TbVgGKuzbl_eznckrg"></script> </head> <body class="path-taxonomy context-health-alzheimers-and-dementia"> <a href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable" tabindex="1"> Skip to main content </a> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <section class="usa-banner"> <div class="usa-banner"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <header class=" usa-banner__header"> <div class="usa-banner__inner"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <img class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="U.S. flag"> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <p class="usa-banner__header-text">An official website of the United States government</p> <p class="usa-banner__header-action" aria-hidden="true">Here's how you know</p> </div> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner"> <span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here's how you know</span> </button> <div class="grid-col-fill"> <div class="grid-container desktop-display-only--alerts"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-3 flex-row flex-justify-end"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/">U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-link" href="https://www.nih.gov/">National Institutes of Health (NIH)</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> <div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" alt="Dot gov"> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>The .gov means it鈥檚 official.</strong> <br> Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you鈥檙e on a federal government site. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/icon-https.svg" alt="Https"> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong>The site is secure.</strong> <br> The <strong>https://</strong> ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container block block-views block-views-blockstacked-alerts-block-1" id="block-views-block-stacked-alerts-block-1"> <div region="dhhs"> </div> </div> </section> <header class="usa-header usa-header--extended usa-header--extended-megamenu" id="header" role="banner"> <div class="region region-header usa-navbar"> <div id="block-nia-branding" class="col-8-left block_logo usa-logo site-logo"> <em class="usa-logo__text"> <a class="logo-img" href="/" accesskey="1" title="National Insitute on Aging (NIA), Home" aria-label="Home"> <img src="/themes/nia/images/nih-nia-logo.svg" alt="National Insitute on Aging (NIA)"/> </a> </em> </div> <button class="usa-menu-btn usa-button--secondary">Menu</button> </div> <div class="grid-container header-site-search padding-2"> <div class="views-exposed-form" data-drupal-selector="views-exposed-form-site-search-page-1" id="block-nia-exposedformsite-searchpage-1-2"> <div class="usa-search"> <form region="header_search" action="/site-search" method="get" id="views-exposed-form-site-search-page-1" accept-charset="UTF-8" novalidate class="usa-form usa-search--small"> <div class="js-form-item form-item js-form-type-textfield form-item-search js-form-item-search form-no-label"> <label class="usa-label usa-sr-only" for="edit-searching-term">Search</label> <input type="search" placeholder="" data-twig-suggestion="search_results_textfield" data-drupal-selector="edit-search" type="text" id="edit-search" name="search" value="" size="30" maxlength="128" class="form-text usa-input search-field-en-small" /> </div> <div data-drupal-selector="edit-actions" class="form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" id="edit-actions"> <div class="form-actions"> <div class="usa-search--small"> <label class="usa-sr-only" for="edit-submit">Search</label> <button data-twig-suggestion="search_results_submit" data-drupal-selector="edit-submit-site-search" type="submit" id="edit-submit-site-search" value="Search" class="button js-form-submit form-submit usa-button usa-button--secondary"> <img src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search"/> </button> </div> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> </div> <nav class="usa-nav" role="navigation" aria-label="Main navigation"> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <button class="usa-nav__close"> <svg class="usa-icon text-base-dark usa-icon--size-5 usa-icon-close" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" role="img" alt="close"> <use xlink:href="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/sprite.svg#close"></use> </svg> </button> <div class="section_navigation bg_fluid container"> <ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion flex-justify"> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link usa-current" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-1"> <span>Health Information</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-1" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-12"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-12 menu--all-link"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/health" > <span>A-Z Health Topics</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia" > <span>Alzheimer鈥檚 & Dementia</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/health/brain-health" > <span>Brain Health</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/health/caregiving" > <span>Caregiving</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/health/end-life" > <span>End of Life</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/health/exercise-and-physical-activity" > <span>Exercise and Physical Activity</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/health/healthy-eating-nutrition-and-diet" > <span>Healthy Eating</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/espanol" > <span>Espa帽ol</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="https://order.nia.nih.gov" > <span>Get Print Publications</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3 menu--last-link"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/health/infographics" > <span>Infographics</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/health/health-care-professionals-information" > <span>Resources for Health Care Professionals</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-2"> <span>Research & Funding</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-2" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-9"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-12 menu--all-link"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research" > <span>All Research & Funding</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/blog" > <span>Blog - Inside NIA</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/clinical-trials" > <span>Clinical Trials</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/training" > <span>Training & Career Development</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/grants-funding" > <span>Grants & Funding</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/health-disparities" > <span>Health Disparities Research</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/resources" > <span>Research Resources</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/labs" > <span>Labs at NIA</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/dab" > <span>Division of Aging Biology</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/dbsr" > <span>Division of Behavioral and Social Research</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3 menu--last-link"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/dgcg" > <span>Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/dn" > <span>Division of Neuroscience</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/grants-funding/about-division-extramural-activities-staff-listing" > <span>Division of Extramural Activities</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3 menu--aside-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-12"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item menu--aside-title">Quick Links</div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/grants-funding/nia-specific-funding-policies"> <span>NIA-Specific Funding Policies</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/scientific-review"> <span>Scientific Review</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/sbir"> <span>Small Business Program</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/training/training-opportunities-special-populations"> <span>Training Programs to Enhance Diversity</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/research/grants-funding/announcements"> <span>Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Funding Announcements</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item menu--last-link"> <a href="/research/nia-data-sharing-resource-toolkit-research"> <span>Data Sharing Resources for Researchers</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-3"> <span>News & Events</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-3" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-9"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-12 menu--all-link"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news" > <span>All News & Events</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news/news-releases" > <span>News Releases</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news/announcements" > <span>Announcements</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news/events" > <span>Events</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/news/research-highlights" > <span>Research Highlights</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3 menu--last-link"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/toolkit/aging-alzheimers-multimedia" > <span>Multimedia</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3 menu--aside-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-12"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item menu--aside-title">Quick Links</div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/media-frequently-asked-questions"> <span>Media Inquiries</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item menu--last-link"> <a href="/aging-alzheimers-resources-multimedia/alzheimers-press-kit"> <span>Alzheimer鈥檚 & Related Dementias Press Kit</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="extended-mega-nav-section-4"> <span>About NIA</span> </button> <div id="extended-mega-nav-section-4" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden=""> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-9"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-12 menu--all-link"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about" > <span>All About NIA</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/budget" > <span>Budget & Testimony</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/aging-strategic-directions-research" > <span>Strategic Directions</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/naca" > <span>National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA)</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/advances-aging-and-alzheimers-research" > <span>Advances in Aging and Alzheimer's Research</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/scientific-workforce-diversity-programs" > <span>Scientific Workforce Diversity</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/staff" > <span>Staff Directory</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/careers" > <span>Careers</span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3 menu--last-link"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/alzheimers-and-aging-resources-students" > <span>Student Resources</span> </a> </div> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/about/stay-connected" > <span>Connect with NIA</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="tablet-lg:grid-col-3 menu--aside-container"> <div class="menu--aside-single-link"> <a class="usa-button usa-nav__link" href="/contact">Contact NIA</a> </div> <!--<div class="grid-row grid-gap-4 menu--aside-single-link"> <div class="desktop:grid-col-12"> <div class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a class="usa-button usa-nav__link" href="/contact">Contact NIA</a> </div> </div> </div>--> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-nav__secondary"> <ul> <li> <a class="usa-button usa-button--secondary" title="en espa帽ol" href="/espanol"> Espa帽ol </a> </li> </ul> <div class="views-exposed-form" data-drupal-selector="views-exposed-form-site-search-page-1" id="block-nia-exposedformsite-searchpage-1"> <div class="usa-search"> <form region="secondary_menu" action="/site-search" method="get" id="views-exposed-form-site-search-page-1" accept-charset="UTF-8" novalidate class="usa-form usa-search--small"> <div class="js-form-item form-item js-form-type-textfield form-item-search js-form-item-search form-no-label"> <label class="usa-label usa-sr-only" for="edit-searching-term">Search</label> <input type="search" placeholder="" data-twig-suggestion="search_results_textfield" data-drupal-selector="edit-search" type="text" id="edit-search--2" name="search" value="" size="30" maxlength="128" class="form-text usa-input search-field-en-small" /> </div> <div data-drupal-selector="edit-actions" class="form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" id="edit-actions--2"> <div class="form-actions"> <div class="usa-search--small"> <label class="usa-sr-only" for="edit-submit">Search</label> <button data-twig-suggestion="search_results_submit" data-drupal-selector="edit-submit-site-search-2" type="submit" id="edit-submit-site-search--2" value="Search" class="button js-form-submit form-submit usa-button usa-button--secondary"> <img src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/usa-icons-bg/search--white.svg" class="usa-search__submit-icon" alt="Search"/> </button> </div> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <div class="breadcrumb-social"> <div id="block-nia-breadcrumbs" class="block block-system block-system-breadcrumb-block"> <nav class="usa-breadcrumb container" aria-label="Breadcrumbs"> <ol vocab="http://schema.org/" typeof="BreadcrumbList" class="usa-breadcrumb__list" > <li property="itemListElement" typeof="ListItem" class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item" > <a property="item" typeof="WebPage" href="/" class="usa-breadcrumb__link" ><span property="name">Home</span></a ><meta property="position" content="1" /> </li> <li property="itemListElement" typeof="ListItem" class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item usa-current" aria-current="page" > <span property="name">Health Information</span> <meta property="position" content="2" /> </li> <li property="itemListElement" typeof="ListItem" class="usa-breadcrumb__list-item usa-current" aria-current="page" > <span property="name">Alzheimer鈥檚 & Dementia</span> <meta property="position" content="3" /> </li> </ol> </nav> <div class="sharing-utilities"> <span>Share:</span> <a class="social-icons" href="javascript:window.print()" rel="noreferrer"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fa-solid fa-print fa-xs"></i> <span class="sr-only">Print page</span> </a> <a class="social-icons" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fa-brands fa-facebook-f fa-sm"></i> <span class="sr-only">Facebook share</span> </a> <a class="social-icons" href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fa-brands fa-linkedin-in fa-sm"></i> <span class="sr-only">Linkedin share</span> </a> <a class="social-icons twitter-x social-link-x" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="fa-brands"><img src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/x-twitter.svg" alt=""></i> <span class="sr-only">X social media share</span> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> <main class="main-content clearfix" role="main"> <a id="main-content" tabindex="-1"></a> <div class="content content-inner"> <article class="bg_fluid bg_white layout-content main-article clearfix" role="content"> <div id="block-nia-local-tasks" class="block_local_tasks"> </div> <div class="view-header"> <div class="content_inset clearfix"> <h1 class="page-title node-title"> Alzheimer's and dementia </h1> </div> <div class="content description-inner"> <div class="intro"> <p>Alzheimer鈥檚 disease is the mostly commonly diagnosed form of dementia in older adults. Learn more about the disease, including diagnosis and treatment, and find tips and resources for caregivers and people living with dementia.</p> <p><b>Related topics: </b><a href="/health/topics/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors">Alzheimer鈥檚 causes and risk factors</a>, <a href="/health/topics/alzheimers-symptoms-and-diagnosis">Alzheimer鈥檚 symptoms and diagnosis</a>, <a href="/health/topics/alzheimers-treatment">Alzheimer鈥檚 treatment</a>, <a href="/health/topics/alzheimers-caregiving">Alzheimer鈥檚 caregiving</a></p> <hr> </div> </div> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="35655" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/millions-americans-are-estimated-have-alzheimers-disease" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/millions-americans-are-estimated-have-alzheimers-disease" rel="bookmark">Millions of Americans Are Estimated To Have Alzheimer's Disease</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">View an infographic on Alzheimer's disease.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2024-07/awareness-alzheimers-disease.png?itok=Ibuae5S-" alt="Alzheimer's disease awareness infographic" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="35793" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/steps-take-after-dementia-diagnosis" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/steps-take-after-dementia-diagnosis" rel="bookmark">Steps to Take After a Dementia Diagnosis</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">View an infographic with a checklist of steps you can take after a dementia diagnosis.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2024-09/dementia-support-NIA.jpg?itok=mzLrLFm-" alt="Steps to Take After a Dementia Diagnosis Infographic" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="20461" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/8-frequently-asked-questions-about-alzheimers-disease" typeof="schema:Article" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/8-frequently-asked-questions-about-alzheimers-disease" rel="bookmark">8 Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer's Disease</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">Learn about Alzheimer鈥檚 disease in these FAQs from the National Institute on Aging.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2017-06/alzheimers-faq-meta.jpg?itok=G9MZ8ZxG" alt="Card with a question mark on it resting on a pile of other cards" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="33106" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/12-myths-about-alzheimers-disease" typeof="schema:Article" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/12-myths-about-alzheimers-disease" rel="bookmark">12 Myths About Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">Learn the facts about common myths surrounding Alzheimer鈥檚 disease. Find out how you can help advance NIA鈥檚 research on new diagnostic, treatment, and prevention options.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2020-06/myths.jpg?itok=iy4mJLXJ" alt="The word "Myths" written out in red on wooden blocks" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="23153" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/about-adear-center" typeof="schema:Article" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/about-adear-center" rel="bookmark">About the ADEAR Center</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">Find out how the Alzheimer's and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center can help you with answers and resources.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2017-06/adear-logo-meta.JPG?itok=i8g0cQKg" alt="ADEAR (Alzheimer's and related Dementias Education And Referral Center) logo" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="4446" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet" typeof="schema:Article" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet" rel="bookmark">Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">What is Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, what causes it, what are the symptoms, and how is it treated? Get answers to these questions and more in this NIA fact sheet.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2017-07/ad-factsheet-meta2.jpg?itok=6L9LzruI" alt="Computer created of a brain in the head of an older man" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="33803" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/making-healthy-lifestyle-choices-may-reduce-your-risk-dementia" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/making-healthy-lifestyle-choices-may-reduce-your-risk-dementia" rel="bookmark">Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices May Reduce Your Risk of Dementia</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">View an infographic on steps you can take that may help lower your risk for dementia.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2022-05/dementia-risk.jpg?itok=lWmuNQu4" alt="Thumbnail of Making healthy lifestyle choices may reduce your risk of dementia infographic." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="29638" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/preventing-alzheimers-disease-what-do-we-know" typeof="schema:Article" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/preventing-alzheimers-disease-what-do-we-know" rel="bookmark">Preventing Alzheimer's Disease: What Do We Know?</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">What can you do to prevent Alzheimer鈥檚 disease? Read the latest evidence for promising prevention strategies, including physical activity, blood pressure control, and cognitive training.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2019-10/prevent-meta-image.jpg?itok=gXNuriAe" alt="older man getting blood pressure checked by doctor" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="30849" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/tips-living-alone-early-stage-dementia" typeof="schema:Article" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/tips-living-alone-early-stage-dementia" rel="bookmark">Tips for Living Alone With Early-Stage Dementia</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">These tips for people living alone with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia are designed to help people cope with changes in memory and thinking, prepare for the future, and stay active.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2023-10/with-dementia-gardening.jpg?itok=5Gv0EAFD" alt="Older woman, with dementia, in the garden holding a pot of red flowers." typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <div class="views-row"><article data-history-node-id="33431" about="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/understanding-different-types-dementia" class="feature_item topical_item teaser col-12-full"> <div class="topical_text col-8-left"> <h2 class="feature-title"> <a href="/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/understanding-different-types-dementia" rel="bookmark">Understanding Different Types of Dementia</a> </h2> <div class="feature-summary">View an infographic on four different types of dementia, including what's happening in the brain and symptoms.</div> </div> <div class="topical_image col-4-right"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/meta_150x150/public/2022-01/understanding-types-of-dementia_3.png?itok=p9U-YJoy" alt="Understanding types of dementia" typeof="foaf:Image" /> </div> </article> </div> <nav aria-label="Pagination" class="usa-pagination"> <ul class="usa-pagination__list "> <li class="usa-pagination__item usa-pagination__page-no pager-current"> <span class="visually-hidden"> Current page </span> <span class="usa-pagination__button usa-current pager-current--inner">1</span> </li> <li class="usa-pagination__item usa-pagination__page-no"> <a href="?page=1" class="usa-pagination__button" aria-label="Page 2" > <span class="visually-hidden"> Page </span>2</a> </li> <li class="usa-pagination__item usa-pagination__arrow"> <a href="?page=1" class="usa-pagination__link usa-pagination__next-page" aria-label="Next page" > <span class="usa-pagination__link-text">Next</span> <svg class="usa-icon" aria-hidden="true" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M10 6 8.59 7.41 13.17 12l-4.58 4.59L10 18l6-6z"/></svg> </a> </li> </ul> </nav> </article> </div> </main> <footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--medium font-body-sm" role="contentinfo"> <div class="grid-container usa-footer__return-to-top"> <a href="#">Return to top</a> </div> <div class="usa-footer__primary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap"> <div class="grid-col-12 mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <nav class="usa-footer__nav" aria-label="Footer navigation"> <p class="font-body-md text-bold footer-header">Quick links</p> <ul class="add-list-reset grid-row grid-gap"> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal" title="Learn about NIA" href="/about">About NIA</a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal" href="/health/topics">A-Z health topics</a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal" href="/research/clinical-trials">Clinical trials</a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal" href="/about/careers">Careers at NIA</a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal" href="/research/research-divisions-contacts">Research divisions & contacts</a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal" href="/about/staff">Staff directory</a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal" href="/about/scientific-workforce-diversity-programs">Workforce diversity</a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal" href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/about/policies">NIA Policies and Notices</a> </li> </div> </nav> </ul> <div class="grid-col-12 mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <nav class="usa-footer__nav" aria-label="Footer navigation"> <p class="font-body-md text-bold footer-header">Contact NIA</p> <ul class="add-list-reset grid-row grid-gap"> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal usa-icon-link" href="mailto:niaic@nia.nih.gov"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon width-2 margin-right-1" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/usa-icons/mail.svg" alt="Email icon">niaic@nia.nih.gov </a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal usa-icon-link" href="tel:800-222-2225"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon width-2 margin-right-1" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img//usa-icons/phone.svg" alt="Phone icon">800-222-2225 </a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal usa-icon-link" href="/contact"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon width-2 margin-right-1" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img//usa-icons/chat.svg" alt="Contact icon">Contact us </a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="grid-col-12 mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <nav class="usa-footer__nav" aria-label="Footer navigation"> <p class="font-body-md text-bold footer-header">Follow us</p> <ul class="add-list-reset grid-row grid-gap"> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal usa-icon-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/NIHAging/"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon width-2 margin-right-1" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img//usa-icons/facebook.svg" alt="Facebook icon">Facebook </a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal usa-icon-link" href="https://twitter.com/NIHAging"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon width-2 margin-right-1" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/square-x-twitter.svg" alt="X social media icon">X </a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal usa-icon-link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-institute-on-aging/"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon width-2 margin-right-1" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin icon">Linkedin </a> </li> <li class="grid-col-12 usa-footer__primary-content"> <a class="usa-footer__primary-link text-normal usa-icon-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/NatlInstituteOnAging"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon width-2 margin-right-1" src="/themes/nia/package/dist/img//usa-icons/youtube.svg" alt="YouTube icon">YouTube </a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> <div class="grid-col-12 mobile-lg:grid-col-6 tablet-lg:grid-col-3"> <div class="usa-sign-up padding-top-105"> <p class="font-body-md text-bold footer-header">Newsletters</p> <p class="margin-0 padding-y-1"> Sign up to receive updates and resources delivered to your inbox. </p> <a class="usa-button usa-nav__link font-body-sm" href="/about/stay-connected">Sign up</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </footer> <div class="usa-identifier"> <section class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--masthead" aria-label="Agency identifier,,"> <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <div class="usa-identifier__identity" aria-label="Agency description"> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-domain"> <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/" class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link">nia.nih.gov</a> </p> <p class="usa-identifier__identity-disclaimer"> <em>An official website of the</em> <a href="https://www.nih.gov/">National Institutes of Health</a> </p> </div> </div> </section> <nav class="usa-identifier__section usa-identifier__section--required-links" aria-label="Important links,,"> <div class="usa-identifier__container"> <ul class="usa-identifier__required-links-list"> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" href="/about/policies#accessibility"> Accessibility support </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" href="https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/freedom-information-act-office"> FOIA requests </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" href="https://www.edi.nih.gov/no-fear-act"> No FEAR Act data </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" href="https://oig.hhs.gov/"> Office of the Inspector General </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" href="https://dpcpsi.nih.gov/oepr/performance"> Performance reports </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" href="https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html"> Vulnerability disclosure policy </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/about/policies#privacy"> Privacy Policy </a> </li> <li class="usa-identifier__required-links-item"> <a class="usa-identifier__required-link usa-link" href="https://www.usa.gov/"> USA.gov </a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"taxonomy\/term\/3738","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"back_to_top":{"back_to_top_button_trigger":100,"back_to_top_prevent_on_mobile":true,"back_to_top_prevent_in_admin":false,"back_to_top_button_type":"image","back_to_top_button_text":"Back to top"},"data":{"extlink":{"extTarget":true,"extTargetAppendNewWindowLabel":"(opens in a new window)","extTargetNoOverride":false,"extNofollow":false,"extNoreferrer":false,"extFollowNoOverride":false,"extClass":"ext","extLabel":"(link is external)","extImgClass":false,"extSubdomains":false,"extExclude":".*\\.gov","extInclude":"","extCssExclude":".hide-external-link","extCssInclude":"","extCssExplicit":"","extAlert":false,"extAlertText":"You are now leaving the National Institute on Aging website to go to a non-government site.\r\n\r\nNIA is not responsible for the availability or content of these external, non-government sites, nor does NIA endorse, warrant, or guarantee the products, services, or information described or offered.","extHideIcons":false,"mailtoClass":"mailto","telClass":"","mailtoLabel":"(link sends email)","telLabel":"(link is a phone number)","extUseFontAwesome":false,"extIconPlacement":"append","extFaLinkClasses":"fa fa-external-link","extFaMailtoClasses":"fa fa-envelope-o","extAdditionalLinkClasses":"","extAdditionalMailtoClasses":"","extAdditionalTelClasses":"","extFaTelClasses":"fa fa-phone","whitelistedDomains":[],"extExcludeNoreferrer":""}},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"\/site-search":true},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"a1ddcc2b626fe6da15fd5750c2bd33d9b118374a3fce3f41fb48b13f6e05a987"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_gJE0DpL5LdOaTxjArM0MqQtlb5Vh8qYAoyvj5VSJ7wE.js?scope=footer&delta=0&language=en&theme=nia&include=eJxFitEKgCAMAH9otE8aU2eoQ00n1N8XEQT3cAfn2Bey9tDR_U55Qk2MuzbHCvlYMi5aiSRG8TYxcpD3YJVhE-Q0TbVgGKuzbl_eznckrg"></script> </body> </html>