Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys

memory, the ability to think, and eventually the ability to

perform even the simplest tasks.

The exact causes

of Alzheimer's
disease aren't
fully understood.
But at a basic
level, brain
proteins fail to
function
normally, which
disrupts the work
of brain cells
(neurons) and
triggers a series
of toxic events.
 The most common early
symptom of Alzheimer's is
difficulty remembering
newly learned information.
As the condition develops,
memory problems become
more severe and further
symptoms can develop, such
as:
 Confusion,
disorientation and
getting lost in familiar  Problems moving around
places. without assistance or
 Difficulty planning or performing self-care tasks.
making decisions.
 Problems with speech  Personality changes, such
and language. as becoming aggressive,
demanding and suspicious
of others.
 Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol has
long been known to cause brain changes.

 Lifestyle and heart health: Blood pressure variability is an emerging

risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease in older adults, independent of
average blood pressure levels. Sible IJ, Yew B, Jang JY, Alitin JPM,
Li Y, Gaubert A, et al. Blood pressure variability and plasma
Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in older adults. Scientific Reports
[Internet]. 2022 Oct 13 [cited 2022 Oct 13];12(1). Available from:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20627-4

 High cholesterol

 Family history and genetics: Your risk of developing Alzheimer's is

somewhat higher if a first-degree relative your parent or sibling has
the disease.

There's no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that may
change disease progression, and drug and non-drug options that
may help treat symptoms.
Because the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unclear, there is no
known way to prevent the disease.
But there are things you can do to lower your risk or delay the onset of
dementia, such as:
 Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
 Eat a healthy, balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight.
 Stay physically fit and mentally active.
There is no single test that
determines that a person has
Alzheimer's.
To diagnose Alzheimer's,
thorough medical
evaluations are necessary,
including:
 Detailed medical
history
 Assessment of mental
status and mood
 Physical and
neurological exam
 Tests (such as blood
tests and brain
imaging studies) to
rule out other causes
of dementia-like
symptoms
 They are separated into three different categories: mild Alzheimer's disease,
moderate Alzheimer's disease, and severe Alzheimer's disease. Keep in mind that
it can be difficult to place a person with Alzheimer's in a specific stage, since the
stages overlap.

Mild Alzheimer's Moderate Alzheimer's Final Stage

disease (early stage) disease (middle stage)

Mild Alzheimer's is In the final stage of

In the early stage of
usually the longest this disease, people
Alzheimer's, the person lose the ability to
stage and can last for
can function respond to their
many years.
independently. You may surroundings, carry
be able to drive, work, At this point, others on a conversation,
may notice and eventually
and participate in social
symptoms, which control their
activities. During a
may include: movements.
detailed medical
interview, doctors may  Forgetting Significant
events or personality changes
be able to detect
personal may occur and
memory or history people may need a
concentration problems. information. lot of help with daily
Common difficulties  Feeling moody tasks.
include: or withdrawn.
 Confusion At this stage, people
 Difficulty can:
about current
remembering location and Needing assistance
names when date. all the time with
introduced to new  Need help daily activities and
people. choosing the personal care.
 Trouble finding the right clothes
have more difficulty
right word or name for the season
communicating.
or occasion.
Become vulnerable
to infections,
especially
pneumonia.