Scientists have studied Alzheimer's for almost 100 years. Through all that studying, research, and testing, scientists still aren't certain on how or why it occurs. Some believe the destruction is caused by a breakdown in the system of communication that makes up the brain. Even today with our great technological advances, we still cannot pinpoint the exact cause of the disease. Scientists also want to know why Alzheimer's affects some people and not others or develop new ways to tell if it really is Alzheimer's or some other unfortunate ailment (Reisberg 45-46).

The first signs of Alzheimer's disease are not always evident in the beginning. They can include "short-term" or "recent memory" loss. The victim might not remember the present situation or the recent past. Although they will forget these memories, the "long-term" memories stick in their mind more vividly (Frank 11). As more years pass...