What is Alzheimer's?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia around the world, known for symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and communication troubles.
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What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia type, affecting around 1 in 14 people aged 65+. It impacts cognitive function and memory retention, and leads to the progressive deterioration of brain tissue.
A person with Alzheimer’s may notice mild symptoms at first, however these worsen over time, interfering with their thinking skills, memory, and ability to complete everyday tasks independently. Their mobility will also be affected, so as Alzheimer’s advances, they may need more help at home.
What are the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease causes a range of symptoms that differ from person to person, and develop at different rates. Though the first symptom that indicates Alzheimer’s tends to be minor memory issues, these usually worsen over time, and people with the condition may go on to experience:
- Confusion about familiar places or people
- Difficulties with reasoning
- Language and communication problems which can lead to repetitive speech
- Disorientation in time and space
- Changes in their mood, such as depression or anxiety
- Behavioural changes, such as agitation or irritability
- Challenges in problem-solving, meaning they require more help
- Physical challenges during everyday tasks and activities, like cooking dinner or getting dressed
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is still largely unknown, but it is understood that the condition stops neurons within the brain from functioning as they should, which happens due to an abnormal accumulation of the proteins amyloid and tau in the brain’s cells.
This build-up forms plaques around brain cells, and decreases the neurotransmitters (particularly acetylcholine) that are able to pass through. Over time, neuron networks that deal with typical functions like memory, language, reasoning and problem-solving are disrupted, causing symptoms that become more noticeable in everyday life.
How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
Getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis usually involves several steps, and as there are a multitude of other treatable conditions that mimic Alzheimer’s symptoms, doctors will usually carry out certain tests in order to rule out other conditions.
Depending on the suspected type of dementia, these steps may or may not include:
- Medical history, information on current medications, and on diet and alcohol use
- Checking blood pressure, temperature, pulse, heart and lungs
- A urine sample
- A discussion about any noticeable symptoms
- A neurological exam
- Cognitive, functional and behavioural testing
- Depression screening and mood assessment
- Brain imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomography (CT)
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests
- Blood tests
You can download a pre-appointment checklist here
How does Alzheimer’s progress over time?
The progression of Alzheimer’s will likely look different in every case, but the stages tend to progress as follows:
- Early stage – Small memory lapses and mild cognitive difficulties, some subtle enough that they may go unnoticed. Many people can continue life as normal.
- Middle stage – Functions like reasoning, language and behaviour diminish, and the person may struggle with daily activities. Mobility deteriorates, and they may need more care and help at home.
- Late stage – Language may deteriorate to the point where alternative methods of communication are needed. Eventually, end-of-life care will be required.
The unknowns around Alzheimer’s make it difficult to predict what life might look like when a loved one is diagnosed, but with strong support and a focus on maintaining quality of life, people with Alzheimer’s can live well for many years.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, research suggests that a healthy lifestyle (such as a balanced diet and regular exercise) may help to prevent the onset of dementia, and treatments can manage it to promote wellbeing. Certain treatments can help, such as:
| Medications to slow progression | Medications to address symptoms | Lifestyle interventions | Therapies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Some medicines maintain high levels of acetylcholine in the brain, helping nerve cells send and receive signals, and manage cognitive symptoms. | Treating symptoms can improve quality of life. For example, antidepressants, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications and more. | Regular exercise, a healthy diet, activities to stimulate cognitive function, and home care to help with things like mobility, travel, cooking, and facilitating cognitive activities. | Therapies like cognitive rehabilitation offer benefits for Alzheimer’s, helping to enhance functioning and offering emotional support. |
People with Alzheimer’s may live between 3 and 11 years after diagnosis, and could live up to 20 years after diagnosis if they are otherwise healthy.
What resources are available for families managing Alzheimer’s?
If you or a loved one has recently received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and you are unsure what to do next, your doctor can point you in the right direction as you plan for the road ahead. There are also resources in the UK to help:
- The NHS has information for anyone asking “what is Alzheimer’s?” and trying to find their next steps
- Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line (0333 150 3456) is available to answer any questions
- Age UK has information on how to find further support for a dementia diagnosis
- Carers UK has a page dedicated to supporting dementia caregivers
- Home Instead selects Care Professionals based on personality and experience, so you know you are receiving support at home from someone who understands the specific challenges of Alzheimer’s
If you feel overwhelmed by the possibility of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, reach out to our friendly team to see how we can help your family.
Tim Howell , Learning and Development Partner
For the past 16 years, I have been dedicated to the care sector, progressing from Care Professional to Care Manager, and later assuming roles such as Specialist Training Manager. Currently, as a Learning and Development Partner at Home Instead’s National Office, I develop and review training programs, collaborate with external organizations like the Alzheimer’s Society, and manage various impactful projects.
My passion for dementia care has guided much of my work, from engaging with advanced dementia support initiatives, such as those offered by the End of Life Partnership, to staying informed through events like the annual Dementia Summit. These efforts reflect my deep commitment to enhancing the care and quality of life for individuals living with dementia