Alzheimer's disease. Computer artwork of a human brain in external view, depicting the concept of Alzheimer's disease. The cerebrum of the brain appears to be fragmenting into squares, typical of tissue degeneration which occurs in this disease. Alzheimer's disease (known as senile dementia) is a progressive condition affecting people over 65 years old. Progressive degeneration and shrinking of the brain, with added deposits of proteins, leads to symptoms like memory loss, disorientation and change of personality. Patient's may suffer psychosis, delusions, with decreased intellectual ability. Alzheimer's disease is incurable and leads ultimately to death.