National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month 2023

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer's is a disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior –– ultimately leading to dementia. In most cases, symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia

While the two terms are often used interchangeably, Alzheimer's disease is a cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. And while several conditions can lead to dementia –– Huntington’s or Parkinson’s, for example – Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s Symptoms

While some degree of memory or cognitive decline is normal as we age, Alzheimer’s symptoms will be a bit more pronounced, advancing from mild inconveniences to cognitive issues that severely impact one’s daily life.

According to the National Institute on Aging, the most common early signs of Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Memory loss
  • For example, forgetting the location of the grocery store or another commonly visited site
• Poor judgment, leading to bad decisions
  • For example, making a risky financial investment when a person normally wouldn’t do so
• Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
  • For example, not wanting to go for a walk after dinner
• Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks
• Repeating questions
• Trouble handling money and paying bills
• Wandering and getting lost
• Losing things or misplacing them in odd places
• Mood and personality changes
  • For example, being quick to grow angry or overwhelmed
• Increased anxiety or aggression

As Alzheimer’s progresses, these symptoms will gradually worsen, eventually leading to disorientation, sharp mood changes, and confusion about times and places. In many cases, this loss of cognitive ability causes those with Alzheimer’s to mistrust friends, family, or caregivers. A common occurrence among those with Alzheimer’s is to accuse caregivers of stealing from them.

In cases of advanced Alzheimer’s, people experience even more severe symptoms that may even lead to difficulty speaking, swallowing, or even walking.

Is There a Cure for Alzheimer’s?

As of 2022, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s; however, there are several treatments that may slow the disease’s progression. By understanding the available options, you can potentially help your loved one cope with the symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Alzheimer’s Medications

As of 2022, several prescription drugs are approved by the FDA to help manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s. In mid-2021, the FDA approved aducanumab, a drug that can reduce amyloid deposits in the brain and aid in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s. That said, evidence is highly limited as to how aducanumab affects the symptoms or health outcomes of those with Alzheimer’s.

Aducanumab is the only medication aimed at treating the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s. Other medications like donepezil, memantine, and rivastigmine aim to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. This means that, even in the best cases, they will not slow the progression of the disease.

Because of the highly limited viability of Alzheimer’s-related medications, the most important tool we have to address Alzheimer’s is the way in which we provide care to those affected by this disease.

Caring for Those With Alzheimer’s

Since there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of this disease and begin to develop a care plan. In some cases, a person with dementia can safely live at home with proper care. In others, you might need to look into memory care communities.

To help you get started, take a look at our helpful guides:

• Dementia Life Expectancy Calculator
• Caring for a Parent with Dementia
• Does Medicare Cover Memory Care?
• Guide to Memory Care Costs