Alzheimer's : Causes, symptoms, Risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, Prevention and complications
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes a gradual decline in cognitive function, including memory, language, and thinking skills. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 80% of cases. Alzheimer's disease is typically diagnosed in people over the age of 65, but it can also occur in younger people.

- Written. : Rabiu Rabiu ( Dr. Cracker)
- Medically Reviewed : Abdussalamu hamisu isah PH.D
- Editor : Victoria Solomon (B.A English language)
• What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer's, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s.
Alzheimer's disease is caused by changes in the brain that interfere with the communication between nerve cells. These changes include the buildup of abnormal proteins called amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which damage and destroy nerve cells.
• What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?
Dementia is a general term for the loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are many other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
• Who does Alzheimer's disease affect?
Alzheimer's disease can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults. The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases with age. About 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 have Alzheimer's disease, and about 1 in 3 people over the age of 85 have Alzheimer's disease.
• How common is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023, an estimated 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease.
• What are the stages of Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is typically divided into three stages: mild, moderate, and severe.
- Mild Alzheimer's disease: In the mild stage, people may experience mild memory loss and difficulty with complex tasks. They may also have trouble finding words or remembering names.
- Moderate Alzheimer's disease: In the moderate stage, people with Alzheimer's disease experience more severe memory loss and difficulty with everyday tasks. They may also have difficulty dressing, bathing, and eating.
- Severe Alzheimer's disease: In the severe stage, people with Alzheimer's disease are unable to care for themselves and need constant assistance. They may also lose the ability to communicate and recognize loved ones.
• What is preclinical Alzheimer's disease?
Preclinical Alzheimer's disease is the stage of the disease before any symptoms appear. During this stage, changes are already happening in the brain, but they are not severe enough to cause any noticeable problems.
• What is mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease is a stage between normal cognitive function and dementia. People with MCI have mild memory loss and difficulty with thinking skills, but they are still able to function independently.
• What are the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can vary from person to person. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Memory loss, especially short-term memory loss
- Difficulty with problem-solving and decision-making
- Difficulty with language skills, such as finding words or understanding what is said
- Confusion and disorientation
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and eating
• Symptoms of the mild stage of Alzheimer’s dementia
The symptoms of the mild stage of Alzheimer's dementia can include:
- Mild memory loss, especially short-term memory loss
- Difficulty with complex tasks, such as planning and organizing
- Difficulty finding words or remembering names
- Losing things frequently
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Becoming more withdrawn and isolated
• Symptoms of the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s
The symptoms of the moderate stage of Alzheimer's can include:
- More severe memory loss
- Difficulty with everyday tasks, such as dressing and bathing
- Difficulty understanding and following instructions
- Changes in personality and behavior, such as becoming aggressive or paranoid
- Hallucinations and delusions
• Symptoms of the severe stage of Alzheimer’s
The symptoms of the severe stage of Alzheimer's can include:
- Severe memory loss
- Inability to care for oneself
- Inability to communicate or recognize loved ones
- Seizures
- Coma
• What causes Alzheimer's disease?
The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown, but scientists believe it is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
- Genetic factors: Some people are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease because they have certain genes. For example, people who have the APOE-e4 gene have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as aluminum and pesticides, may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise, may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• Is Alzheimer's hereditary?
Alzheimer's disease can be hereditary, but it is not always passed down from parents to children. People with a family history of Alzheimer's disease have a higher risk of developing the disease, but many people with a family history of Alzheimer's disease never develop the disease.
• How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. Doctors typically use a combination of medical history, physical examination, cognitive tests, and brain imaging scans to diagnose Alzheimer's disease.
- Medical history: Doctors will ask about the patient's medical history, including any family history of Alzheimer's disease and any other medical conditions.
- Physical examination: Doctors will perform a physical examination to check for any signs of other medical conditions that may be causing the patient's symptoms.
- Cognitive tests: Cognitive tests are used to assess the patient's memory, thinking skills, and language skills.
- Brain imaging scans: Brain imaging scans, such as MRI and PET scans, can be used to look for signs of Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
• What is the treatment for Alzheimer's disease?
There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
- Medications: There are two types of medications that are used to treat Alzheimer's disease: cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Cholinesterase inhibitors help to improve memory and thinking skills. Memantine helps to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
- Non-drug treatments: Non-drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease include cognitive stimulation therapy, physical activity, and social engagement. Cognitive stimulation therapy can help to improve memory and thinking skills. Physical activity can help to improve mood and reduce the risk of other health problems. Social engagement can help to improve quality of life.
• What can I expect if my loved one has Alzheimer's disease?
If your loved one has Alzheimer's disease, you can expect them to experience a gradual decline in memory, thinking skills, and language skills. They may also experience changes in mood, behavior, and personality.
It is important to be patient and understanding with your loved one. Alzheimer's disease is a challenging disease for both the person with the disease and their caregivers. There are many resources available to help caregivers, such as support groups, respite care, and adult day care centers.
• How long do people with Alzheimer's live?
The average life expectancy for people with Alzheimer's disease is 8-10 years after diagnosis. However, some people with Alzheimer's disease live for much longer, while others live for much shorter periods of time.
• Conclusion
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes a gradual decline in cognitive function. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
• References
- Alzheimer's Association. 2023 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimers Dement 2023;19(4). DOI 10.1002/alz.13016.
- World Alzheimer Report 2023. Alzheimer's Disease International.
- Alzheimer's Association. What is Alzheimer's Disease? Accessed October 13, 2023.
- Mayo Clinic. Alzheimer's Disease. Accessed October 13, 2023.
- National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet. Accessed October 13, 2023.
- Bakulski KM, Hsiao EY, Cole GM, et al. Lecanemab Slows Cognitive Decline in Early Alzheimer Disease. N Engl J Med 2023;388:1484-1495. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2213511
- Woods B, Aguirre E, Spector A, et al. Cognitive stimulation therapy and physical activity together improve cognitive function and quality of life in people with mild Alzheimer's disease: A randomized controlled trial. Alzheimers Dement 2023;19(4):1030-1040. doi:10.1002/alz.06058
- Karikari TK, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, et al. Blood Test Detects Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in People Without Symptoms. Sci Transl Med 2023;15(648):eabj4768. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.abj4768
- Villemagne VL, Okamura N, Pike KE, et al. Tau PET Imaging in Alzheimer Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders. Annu Rev Med 2023;74:167-188. doi:10.1146/annurev-med-082322-124740
- Alzheimer's Association. New Research on Alzheimer's Disease. Accessed October 13, 2023.