What Alzheimer's Does to Your Body

Most people know Alzheimer's disease affects the memory.

But the symptoms can be physical as well as mental.

It can change the way you walk, talk, and how your body works.

It's important to be aware of what can happen as the disease progresses.

This will help you stay ahead of the changes you and your loved ones may face.

Though the cause of Alzheimer's is not known, doctors think the symptoms of the disease are caused by a buildup of harmful proteins in your brain called amyloid and tau.

These proteins form large clumps, called tangles and plaques.

They get in the way of normal brain function and kill healthy cells.

The damage usually starts in the area of your brain that forms memories.

People with early-stage Alzheimer's disease often have trouble remembering things.

As the disease gets worse, the plaques and clusters also appear in the parts of the brain in charge of bodily behaviors.