Alzheimer’s disease is a deeply personal and often emotional topic, one that can stir feelings of uncertainty and stress for not only the person with the diagnosis, but for those around them also. You may have questions, concerns, or simply a desire to understand what this diagnosis could mean for you or someone close to you. Here, we aim to offer a compassionate space where knowledge meets care. We'll explore what Alzheimer’s is, how it progresses, and what support and resources are available—always with the understanding that each person’s journey is unique, and dignity and hope are just as important as facts.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a disease that worsens over time and affects memory, thinking, and behavior. According to the CDC, dementia describes a group of symptoms that impact an individual’s memory, ability to think or make decisions, and speak. There are about 7 million people living with Alzheimer's disease.
History
Alois Alzheimer was the first clinical psychiatrist to record his observations of what we now refer to as Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer had noticed plaques and tangles in the brain of a patient who died from an unknown mental illness. Plaques and tangles are proteins that build up in the spaces between and inside nerve cells. Though scientists do not know what plaques and tangles do, they believe they interfere with nerve communication and function, leading nerve cells to die.
Signs & Symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, and symptoms may get worse overtime. Symptoms may include:
Memory loss: Forgetting recent events, important dates, familiar people, and personal history is common. Individuals can also forget what items may be for, and get lost in places they have visited before.
Daily Tasks: As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may find it hard to remember their daily routine. They may not be able to brush their teeth, bathe, get dressed, and have difficulties doing other activities of daily life.
Reasoning: Individuals may have a hard time planning things and carrying them out. Paying bills, keeping doctors’ appointments, dealing with numbers, or multitasking may become increasingly difficult for individuals.
Physical: Alzheimer’s can impact an individual’s ability to walk and exercise. Individuals may lose their balance and increase their risk of falling.
Personality & Mood: Individuals may develop depression and withdraw from social situations. Some may also become irritable and exhibit aggressive behaviors. If an individual’s sleep is disrupted, this can extubate mood changes.
If you notice any signs or symptoms that you or a loved one are experiencing, consult with a medical professional.
Who is at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease?
The Alzheimer’s Association outlines some factors that may increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Age: Individuals 65 and older are most at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Family History: Individuals who have an immediate family member with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease are more likely to develop it. If more than one family has an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, the risk increases.
Head Trauma: Individuals who have suffered a head injury have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This risk increased with multiple head injuries.
Down Syndrome: Individuals who have been diagnosed with Down’s syndrome have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Down’s syndrome causes three copies of the gene responsible for creating the beta-amyloid protein, which may lead to more buildup of the protein that causes Alzheimer’s disease.
Lower Risk of Developing Alzheimer's Disease
According to the National Institute on Aging, there are several things individuals can do to help lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Be sure to check in with your doctor before starting a new regime.
- Healthy Weight
- Healthy Diet
- Sleeping Routine
- Mental Exercise
- Physical Exercise
- Avoid Smoking
- Avoid Drinking Alcohol
- Manage Blood Pressure
- Manage Cholesterol
Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are multiple treatments that are used to help curb symptoms. Check in with your doctor before starting any treatments.
Medications: There are a few different medications your doctor can prescribe that can help with memory and cognitive functions. Other medications can help with behavior or mood changes that may occur as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.
Memory Exercises: Exercising your brain can help keep our brain active. Playing word puzzles, board games, learning a new language, or anything similar can help keep our brain fit and challenged.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): consists of multiple sessions of therapy that take place over several weeks. Throughout the sessions, the goal is to stimulate thinking by talking about current events, singing and listening to music, playing word games, and doing activities that include following directions.
Reminiscence Therapy: Reminiscence therapy, a type of psychotherapy, helps an individual recall their former days in a controlled environment. Remembering past events can help with memory, self-esteem, and communication skills. Reminiscence therapy has been widely used and can take place one on one, in groups, orally, or written.
Facing the realities of Alzheimer’s disease isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re living with a neurological disability, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to understand more, know that your feelings are valid and your questions matter. Compassion, connection, and clear information can make a meaningful difference—and there is help available every step of the way. As you move forward, take things one day at a time, lean into your support networks, and remember that even in the face of uncertainty, there is still room for comfort, dignity, and hope.
