In 1976, neurologist Robert Katzmann suggested a link between senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Katzmann suggested that much of the senile dementia occurring (by definition) after the age of 65, was pathologically identical with Alzheimer's disease occurring in people under age 65 and therefore should not be treated differently. Katzmann thus suggested that Alzheimer's disease, if taken to occur over age 65, is actually common, not rare, and was the fourth- or 5th-leading cause of death, even though rarely reported on death certificates in 1976.
in 1976, neurolOgist robErt KatzMann suGgEsted a lINK betwEeN sENile demenTia aNd aLzhEiMer's disease. KatZmann sUgGEstEd tHAt much oF tHe seNILe DeMeNtia occURrinG (by defInitioN) a,Fter the aGe oF 65, was pATHOlogically identIcAl WiTh alZhEimER's diSEasE oCCUrRing in PeOplE UndeR AgE 65 and TherEfOre should NoT be TrEAtEd DifFeRenTly. kATZMANN THuS SuggesTED tHAT alzHeImEr's dIsEaSe if taken to Occur ovER age 65, Is ACtUally commON, Not rare, aND wAs THE fOuRth- OR 5tH-leAdING cauSE of DeatH, Even Though rarely rEpORted oN dEath certIFicates iN 1976.