The name ‘Alzheimer’s’ comes from the German psychiatrist and neuropathologist, Alois Alzheimer, who first identified the disease in 1906. At the time, Alzheimer was working at the University of Munich and was presented with the case of a woman named Auguste Deter who was experiencing severe memory loss, confusion, and other cognitive impairments.
After Deter’s death, Alzheimer examined her brain and discovered several unusual features, including the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These are now known to be characteristic features of Alzheimer’s disease, and the discovery of these abnormalities was a major breakthrough in understanding the pathology of the condition.
Alzheimer’s case study of Auguste Deter was published in 1907, and the disease was initially referred to as ‘presenile dementia’. However, it was later renamed Alzheimer’s disease in honour of Alois Alzheimer’s contribution to the understanding of the condition.
Today, Alzheimer’s disease is recognised as a major public health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. The disease has a profound impact on individuals and their families, and ongoing research is aimed at developing better treatments and ultimately finding a cure for this devastating condition.
Find out more and learn how we can help with Alzheimer’s care at home for yourself or your loved ones today.