Alzheimer's disease is a kind of dementia that causes brain cells to degenerate and die. It is a progressive disorder characterised by a continuous decline in thinking behavioral and social skills. Early signs may be short term memory loss. Gradually a patient experiences severe memory impairment and lose the ability to perform everyday tasks. In advanced stages of the disease complications from severe loss of brain function — such as dehydration malnutrition or infection — result in death. There is no cure for this disease. But some medications may temporarily help deal with symptoms or slow the rate of decline.