The disease operates somewhat like a thief in the night, coming in and gradually stripping away a person's memories, abilities and even identity. It can take up to 20 years for this condition to fully progress, or as little as five. The condition has great impacts not only on the patient, but also family and friends. Loved ones with this disease are very likely to completely forget their families as this condition progresses.

Life Expectancy

• Alzheimer's disease stretches from two to twenty years, and individuals live on average for eight to ten years from diagnosis.
  
  
• Individuals with Alzheimer's disease are likely to develop co-existing illnesses and most commonly die from pneumonia.

Added by Tom Miner:

One in 10 people with  Alzheimer's have the Early On-set Allzheimer's Disease version. EOAD is defined as having AD prior to age 65. It is the same disease but there are addtional issues that need to be dealt with.

Examples include:

1) Having growing families

2) Loosing the ability to work at the previous levels

3) Loss of ability to drive at this point in life. How do you enjoy retirement when the rest of your family is continuing a normal life at work and school? After years of providing transportation for yourself and all loved ones you become a dependant.

4) Feeling of worthlessness

5) If you have another example, please let me know about it on the Guestbook