Wonderful presentation from UCLA Professor Dr. Gary Small, showing functional MRI evidence that using the Internet *significantly* improves brain activity in the prefrontal cortex. This is where decisions are made and short-term memory is held. In short, the EXACT kind of stimulation AD patients need. If you can, get those you care for to Google!!
Click here:  Big Think Presents Farsight 2011: Beyond the Search Box | Special Series | Big Thinkbigthink.com

Dementia is a general term for memory loss and decline in mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with the activities of daily living.  Worldwide, a new case of dementia arises every 7 seconds and Alzheimer's disease is the most feared, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases.  In America, someone develops Alzheimer's disease every 71 seconds, with nearly 5.3 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer's.  For those 55 years of age and older, 1 in 6 will develop some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's.  There are about 11 million people who are designated as primary caregivers.  64% of Alzheimer's caregivers die or get hospitalized before their loved ones.  
With statistics like these, we must race to find a cure.    
 
Did you know that:  
#1.  People's brains begin to shrink when they are in their thirties?  By the way, this doesn't mean you have Alzheimer's. 
#2.  An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan can evaluate the size and well-being of the anatomical features of your brain?
#3.  An EEG (electroencepahlograph) scan which measures electrical activity in the brain will be able to determine how well your memory is working?
#4.  Treatment can be initiated before extensive neuronal loss?