What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? An Intro

These signs might seem subtle at first, but they can signal something more serious: the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding what Alzheimer’s is and isn’t is the first step toward getting answers, support, and peace of mind. Join us as we help you get that understanding here:

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out simple tasks. It’s the most common form of dementia, responsible for up to 80% of all cases.

Unlike general forgetfulness that comes with age, like misplacing your glasses or momentarily blanking on a name, Alzheimer’s causes more persistent and progressive memory problems. Over time, it impacts communication, decision-making, behavior, and personality. In later stages, it interferes with basic bodily functions like walking or swallowing.

The disease develops gradually and progresses over time. On average, someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s will live another 4–8 years, though some live much longer depending on their overall health and when the diagnosis is made.

Alzheimer’s goes beyond losing memory, it involves losing independence, relationships, and your sense of self. While it sounds very scary, understanding the disease better can help families face it with more clarity, compassion, and control.

Alzheimer’s vs. Dementia: What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear up one of the most confusing aspects right away: Alzheimer’s is a disease. Dementia is a symptom.

Dementia isn’t a diagnosis in itself. It’s a general term used to describe a group of symptoms related to cognitive decline, including memory loss, confusion, language problems, and impaired judgment. Think of dementia like a fever—it tells you something’s wrong, but not what’s causing it.

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, but it’s not the only one. Other forms of dementia include:

Vascular dementia (related to strokes or blood flow issues in the brain)
Lewy body dementia (involving abnormal protein deposits)
Frontotemporal dementia (which affects behavior and language first)
Mixed dementia (a combination of two or more types)

Why does this distinction matter?

Because different types of dementia may require different care strategies, medications, or support approaches. For instance, medications that are helpful in Alzheimer’s might not work for someone with frontotemporal dementia, and vice versa. A clear diagnosis helps families make informed decisions and reduces frustration when treatments don’t seem to “work.”

Curious about how Alzheimer’s compares to other types of dementia? Check out our blog The Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia A Beginner’s Guide.

Signs and Symptoms: What to Watch For

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t show up overnight. It creeps in gradually, often starting with mild memory lapses that may be easy to dismiss as “just aging.” But as time goes on, the symptoms grow more noticeable and more disruptive.

Early Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Frequently misplacing items
Asking the same question multiple times
Forgetting recent conversations or appointments
Struggling to find words in conversation
Seeming confused about time or place

Loved ones may also notice shifts in mood or behavior, such as irritability, withdrawal, or becoming unusually anxious or suspicious.

Mid-Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

As the disease progresses, memory loss worsens, and cognitive function continues to decline. At this stage, individuals may:

Get lost in familiar environments
Have trouble recognizing friends or family
Forget personal history
Exhibit increased confusion, especially at night (a symptom known as “sundowning”)
Struggle with tasks like dressing or bathing

Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

In the final stage of Alzheimer’s, people often:

Lose the ability to speak coherently
Require full-time care for eating, hygiene, and mobility
Lose awareness of their surroundings
Become more susceptible to infections, such as pneumonia

These stages don’t follow a strict timeline; everyone’s journey is different. But knowing the general progression can help families prepare emotionally, practically, and medically.

What Causes Alzheimer’s?

While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still being researched, scientists believe it’s a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that damage the brain over time.

Two abnormal protein buildups in the brain are strongly associated with the disease:

Beta-Amyloid Plaques: Sticky clumps of protein that build up between brain cells and disrupt communication.
Tau Tangles: Twisted fibers inside brain cells that block nutrient transport, leading to cell death.

These changes begin years ( or even decades) before symptoms appear.

Other contributing factors may include:

Chronic inflammation in the brain
Vascular problems that limit blood flow
Imbalance in brain chemicals, like acetylcholine, crucial for learning and memory
Damage from oxidative stress or free radicals

In short, Alzheimer’s doesn’t stem from one cause, but from a complex interplay of biological processes that accumulate over time. That’s part of why it’s been such a difficult disease to treat or cure.

Is Alzheimer’s Genetic?

Many families wonder: “If my parent had Alzheimer’s, does that mean I’ll get it too?”

Maybe—but not necessarily. Most cases of Alzheimer’s are sporadic, meaning they occur without a clear family history. However, genetics can influence your risk. The biggest genetic factor is a gene called APOE-e4, which is linked to a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.

Here’s how the genetics break down:

Having one copy of APOE-e4 increases your risk slightly.
Having two copies increases your risk more significantly.

But many people with APOE-e4 never develop Alzheimer’s, and many people who do get Alzheimer’s don’t carry the gene at all.

There’s also a rare, inherited form called early-onset familial Alzheimer’s, which can affect people as young as their 30s or 40s. This version is caused by specific genetic mutations and is extremely uncommon (fewer than 1% of cases).

The takeaway? Your genes may load the gun, but your lifestyle, environment, and overall health play major roles in whether or not it “fires.”

How Alzheimer’s Is Diagnosed

Getting a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally overwhelming, but it’s a critical first step toward managing symptoms and planning for care.

There’s no single test that can definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s. Instead, doctors use a combination of tools to evaluate a person’s memory, behavior, and brain health. This may include:

Cognitive Assessments: These measure memory, attention, language, and problem-solving skills.
Neurological Exams: To rule out other conditions like strokes, tumors, or Parkinson’s disease.
Brain Imaging: MRI or CT scans may help identify shrinkage in certain areas of the brain or rule out other causes of symptoms.
Blood or Spinal Fluid Tests: In some cases, these may detect biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s (such as amyloid or tau proteins).
Interviews With Family Members: Observations from loved ones often provide crucial insight into changes in mood, behavior, or memory.

It’s important to note that early diagnosis matters. It allows patients to access treatments sooner, plan ahead, and participate in clinical trials. If you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss or cognitive issues, don’t wait: reach out to a primary care physician or memory specialist.

Current Treatment Options

Right now, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But that doesn’t mean there’s no hope.

Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of symptoms, managing behavior and mood, and improving quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

FDA-Approved Medications:

Lecanemab (Leqembi®) and Donanemab (Kisunla™) are anti-amyloid antibody drugs approved for early-stage Alzheimer’s. These treatments target beta-amyloid plaques in the brain and may modestly slow cognitive decline.
Cholinesterase inhibitors (such as Donepezil or Rivastigmine) help boost brain chemicals that aid memory and judgment.
Memantine helps regulate glutamate, a chemical involved in learning and memory, and is often prescribed for moderate to severe stages.

Symptom Management

Behavioral symptoms like anxiety, aggression, sleep disturbances, and depression can be managed through a combination of medications, environmental adjustments, and caregiver education.

Non-Medical Therapies

Cognitive stimulation therapy
Music and art therapy
Exercise programs
Memory cafés and structured social activities

While these approaches don’t stop the disease, they can make a real difference in the patient’s emotional well-being and day-to-day functioning.

Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented or Slowed?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but research increasingly shows that you can reduce your risk, or at least delay the onset, by taking care of your brain and body. Brain-healthy habits include:

Regular Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week.
Eating a Mediterranean-Style Diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil.
Staying Mentally Active: Puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing instruments can help keep the brain engaged.
Prioritizing Sleep: Adults need 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep and sleep apnea are linked to increased Alzheimer’s risk.
Staying Socially Connected: Isolation and loneliness can accelerate cognitive decline.
Managing Chronic Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol all raise your risk.

These steps don’t just help your brain—they’re good for your heart, mood, and overall longevity.

Key Takeaway: Knowledge is Power

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most complex and challenging health conditions we face. Whether you’re worried about your memory, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to learn more, knowledge empowers you to take the right steps toward diagnosis, care, and connection.

If you’re looking for next steps, need help navigating care options, or just want to talk to someone who understands, Daugherty Enterprises is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about what we’re doing for Alzheimer’s and how we could help you.