This document provides an overview of the state of scientific study of Alzheimer's disease, a disease of catastrophic proportions whose symptoms include serious forgetfulness; changes in personality; confused, restless, and irritable behavior; and problems with judgment, concentration, writing, reading, speech, and naming of objects. It discusses biological mechanisms related to Alzheimer's disease, including glucose metabolism and the molecular pathology of changes in the proteins of nerve cells of the cerebral cortex which are associated with the disease. Research conducted in the last decade about the cause of Alzheimer's is reviewed, including trace metal, slow virus, immunological, and genetic studies. Psychosocial research is discussed, noting that to date behavioral science research has focused on diagnostic tests to differentiate between Alzheimer's disease and multi-infarct dementia, on changes in language use in relation to brain function and dysfunction, and on special supports needed by families of victims. A review of clinical research discusses sleep studies and treatment approaches. Intramural initiatives by the National Institute on Aging, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Institute for Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke are described. The report concludes that advances have been made in the past decade and that, at some future date, Alzheimer's disease may be prevented or cured. (ABL)