Epidemiology of Alzheimer' Disease Ronya Bentz NUR/408 March 4, 2013 Patricia Schwartz Epidemiology of Alzheimer' Disease According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “not just the absence of mental disorder but as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” (Perry, Presley-Cantrell, and Dhingra 2010). Mental illness, “refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders that are characterized by alteration in thinking, mood or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning” (Perry, Presley-Cantrell, and Dhingra 2010). Mental health is an increasing concern with the vulnerable population of the elderly across America. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are the two leading psychiatric diseases effecting the elderly, causing deterioration of intellectual functioning. Scientists cannot completely comprehend the etiology and progress of these two diseases. Scientists have learned that both diseases have signs and symptoms parallel to one another (Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 2011). It is important to get a better perception of the development of these diseases, so the importance of understanding epidemiology is relevant. The author’s paper contains the meaning and description of epidemiology, the stages and approaches that will assist in determining cause and effect of the illness. Also the writer will examine how the epidemiologic benefits of the triangle, a preferred population and disease of interest, and the correlation of the different levels of prevention with the disease. According to