Unraveling Alzheimer's: The Disease, Treatment and Support

This is the first article of the Unraveling Alzheimer's series, where we discuss the disease and best care practices for those with it.

Alzheimer's disease is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, Alzheimer's disease is a type of brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills and eventually the ability to carry out simple tasks. It is estimated that more than 6 million Americans, mostly aged 65 or older, may have the disease. It is characterized by plaques and tangles in the brain as well as loss of connections between neurons. Neurons are what transmits messages between different parts of the brain, and from the brain to muscles and organs in the body.

Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer's. However, the first symptoms of Alzheimer's vary from person to person. For many, decline in nonmemory aspects of cognition such as word finding, vision/spatial issues and impaired reasoning or judgment may signal the early stages of the disease. People are most commonly diagnosed in the mild stage of the disease, which is characterized by the following:

• Wandering and getting lost

• Trouble handling money and paying bills

• Repeating questions

• Taking longer to complete daily tasks

• Personality and behavior changes

As the disease progresses, symptoms will worsen and eventually plaques and tangles spread throughout the brain. People at the last stage of the disease cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care. Near the end of life, the person may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down.

So what causes Alzheimer's disease?

Although researchers have made substantial progress in understanding this disease and more research is underway, it is still not fully understood what causes Alzheimer's disease. There are likely a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Health, environmental, and lifestyle factors

Since research suggests that more than just genetic factors may play a role in the development and course of Alzheimer's, it is important to understand that there are health, environmental, and lifestyle factors associated with increased incidence of the disease. The factors include the following:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Obesity

Can I reduce my risk of getting Alzheimer's disease?

Ongoing research will help understand whether and how reducing risk factors for the above conditions may also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, there are many lifestyle choices that are associated with helping people stay healthy as they age:

• A nutritious diet

• Physical activity

• Social engagement

• Mentally stimulating activities

How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed?

Your healthcare practitioner may use several methods and tools to help determine whether a person who is having memory problems has Alzheimer's. To diagnose Alzheimer's, a practitioner may:

• Ask the person and a family member questions.

• Conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting and language.

• Order standard medical tests to identify other possible causes.

• Collect spinal fluid via a spinal tap or order blood tests to measures certain protein levels.

• Perform brain scans to support the diagnosis or rule out other possible causes.

If you think you or a loved are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms listed above, you should talk to your primary care provider to find out whether the symptoms are due to Alzheimer's or a different condition.

Treating Alzheimer's disease

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, and it is unlikely that any one medication or other interventions will successfully treat it in all people living with the disease. There are medications that may temporarily improve or stabilize memory and thinking skills in some people and may help manage certain symptoms and behavioral problems.

Since people with the disease may also experience sleeplessness, depression, anxiety, agitation and other behavioral and psychological symptoms, medications may be given to help treat these symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications that are often used in treatment include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anti-anxiety drugs. However, these medications should only be used after other strategies to promote physical and emotional comfort have been tried.

Support for families and caregivers

Caring for a person with Alzheimer's can have significant physical, emotional and financial costs. The demands of day-to-day care, changes in family roles, and decisions about placement in a nursing care facility can be difficult. It is important to become well-informed about the disease, have good coping skills, and develop a strong support network. You may also join a support group to find respite, express concerns, share experiences, get tips and receive comfort.

When it becomes too much.

Caregiver role strain is common in dealing with individuals that have Alzheimer's disease. If caring for your loved one becomes too difficult or is taking a toll on your physical or mental health, it may be time to consider long-term care. Trinity Healthcare Services offers two locations in southern West Virginia that provide expert, 24/7 caregiving to those with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Alternatively, you can visit CMS.gov to help find resources available to you, including other long-term care facilities.

Stay tuned for our next Unraveling Alzheimer's article, The Do's and Don'ts of Communication.

Information provided by the National Institute on Aging. Content last reviewed April 5th, 2023. Content accessed on March 13th, 2025. Provided for general informational and promotional purposes only. This information is not intended to be and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this website is not intended to create any physician–patient relationship, nor should it be considered a replacement for consultation with a healthcare professional. If, and to the extent that you choose to rely upon any information presented on this site, you do so voluntarily and solely at your own risk.