At its core, Alzheimer’s is an irreversible, progressive disease. The brain disorder — the most common form of dementia — begins with problems with an individual’s memory. But, as it slowly progresses, patients are less and less able to function cognitively. As the degenerative disease continues to destroy memory and thinking skills, it reaches a point where patients aren’t able to carry out even the simplest of daily tasks. They might even struggle to recognize immediate family members.