Dr. Alois Alzheimer gave his name to this progressive brain disorder in 1906. Dr. Alzheimer examined the brain tissue of a patient who had recently died with symptoms of mental illness. The woman had been behaving unpredictably and she had issues with language and memory. The tests showed strange clumping and tangled fibers in the brain, both considered the most common traits of Alzheimer’s, states the National Institute on Aging.

Someone with Alzheimer’s will show signs of memory problems, perhaps not being able to think of a word or maybe showing lapses in judgment. As the Alzheimer’s disease stages progress, it will be hard to manage everyday activities such as cooking, shopping, driving and paying bills.