How Long Does It Take Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Disease To Develop In An Elderly Person?

Within the first year, symptoms appear.  In progressive stages, in ten years the person has lost most functions and dies.  Now, many symptoms may be delayed up to 20 years.  I knew one professor who was diagnosed Alzheimer's and was still teaching after 5 years.  Although he seemed completely mentally alert, he was depressed because it was like a death sentence to him.

Alzheimer's can progress at a different rate in different people.  Some people go "down" rather quickly while others linger on for many years.  My Mother had the disease and it is devastating to the family to watch their loved one slip away.  When my Mom had it there was no drugs to help.  Hopefully, now that one drug has been developed to slow the progression of the disease, others will follow and possibly even a cure.