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 The following timeline highlights the story of Alzheimer's disease since it was first identified in 1906 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer.
Three ways to learn more:
1. Read this page to follow the text version of the timeline.
2. Download illustrated PDF files of the timeline:
3. Contact your local Alzheimer Society for a full-colour timeline poster/brochure.
1906-1999: "YESTERDAY"
1906: Alzheimer's Disease Discovered
Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German neurologist and psychiatrist, describes what later becomes known as Alzheimer's disease: a progressive, degenerative brain disease with no known cause or cure. Through an autopsy of a patient's brain, he identifies "plaques and tangles" -- the hallmark traits of Alzheimer's disease.
The Next 50 Years: A "Normal" Part of Aging
Alzheimer's disease symptoms are regarded simply as "normal" brain decline due to old age and "senility."
1960s: Alzheimer's Disease Recognized as a Disease
The discovery of the link between cognitive decline and the numbers of plaques and tangles in the brain leads medical scientists to finally recognize Alzheimer's disease as a "disease," not a normal part of aging.
1970s: Scientific Interest in Alzheimer's Disease is Awakened
Scientific advances bring new tools, techniques and knowledge to the exploration and understanding of the human body. The disease emerges as an area of research interest.
1978: Alzheimer Society of Canada Founded (the first organization of its kind in the world)
The Alzheimer Society is formed to help families caring for someone with the disease and to promote research into treatments, prevention and a cure.
1980s: Research Focuses on Plaques and Tangles
Researchers examine the complex interactions that are harming nerve cells in the Alzheimer-diseased brain. Researchers focus on the chemistry of the toxic proteins identified as "amyloid" in plaques and "tau" in tangles. This research assists in the genetic breakthroughs in the 1990s.
1990s: Giant Leaps Forward
Teams of scientists, with Canadians playing lead roles, discover genetic links to Alzheimer's disease. In turn, this leads to the creation of mice models of the disease, allowing research testing that had not been possible previously.
1992: An Essential Piece of the Alzheimer Puzzle
The first real genetic link to the disease is discovered -- a mutated gene in the majority of familial Alzheimer cases that influences a person's risk of getting the disease. Although this form is rare -- roughly seven per cent of the Alzheimer population -- this is a crucial discovery.
1993: Major Risk Factor Identified
Once again, Canadian scientists make major advances -- this time identifying the role of the apoE gene in the brain.
1997: First Drug Treatment Approved
The first drug, a "cholinesterase inhibitor" known as Aricept™ becomes available that lessens the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease in some individuals. Two new cholinesterase inhibitors, Exelon™ and Reminyl™ are developed over the next five years, offering treatment alternatives.
1999: First Vaccine is Tested
The first Alzheimer's disease vaccine is developed and tested using mouse models -- a significant achievement. The work on vaccines continues to show great promise.
2000-2005: "TODAY"
2000: Sophisticated Imaging of the Living Brain
Technological advances in imaging provide a new window into the living brain. Images indicate that changes may exist in the brain long before a person develops symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
2004: New Drug Therapy Approved
A new drug, a "NMDA receptor blocker" (Ebixa®), intended to treat symptoms in people with moderate to advanced Alzheimer's disease, is available. In trials it stabilized or slowed the decline of cognitive function.
2005: Alzheimer Society Research Funding -- $3 million
The Alzheimer Society funds leading Canadian scientists, many renowned throughout the world for their work on Alzheimer research. The vast majority of these funds come from public support.
2006 and Beyond: "TOMORROW"
We can find the answers
We've taken great leaps in the fight against Alzheimer's disease in just the past two decades. Breakthroughs -- such as vaccines, new drugs and treatments, new diagnostic tools -- are on the horizon.
By 2031 an estimated 750,000 Canadians will have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia unless we can stop this disease before then. Researchers are more hopeful than ever before.
Help us write the final chapter in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.
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