Final answer:
True. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, involving the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that lead to cognitive decline.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, Alzheimer's disease is indeed the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. Characterized by the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, Alzheimer's disease leads to a progressive decline in cognitive functions. In 2012, it was estimated that 5.4 million Americans were suffering from Alzheimer's, and with the aging baby-boomer generation, this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Symptoms of Alzheimer's include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with tasks, poor judgment, and personality changes. Genetic factors also play a role in the development of the disease, with mutations in specific genes linked to early-onset forms and the APOE gene variant associated with an increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's.