A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when blood circulation to the brain fails. Brain cells can die from decreased blood flow and the resulting lack of oxygen.
One current theory is that this type of Alzheimer’s may be familial, but a similar form is found in those with Down Syndrome. Estimates suggest that 50 percent or more of people with Down syndrome will develop dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease as they age.
Alzheimer’s dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. Still, the most significant risk factor is increasing age, with most of those with Alzheimer’s disease 65 years and older.
