Alzheimer’s is a frightening prospect as you age. But by understanding the risk factors and causes, and differentiating the symptoms from normal signs of aging, you can ensure early intervention and the best possible outcome.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 70 percent of dementia cases worldwide. It’s a progressive brain disorder that gradually degenerates neurons causing memory loss and changes in thinking and behavior. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in nine Americans over the age of 65—that’s roughly 6.5 million people—have Alzheimer’s disease. Similar figures are reported in many other countries, with millions of new cases being diagnosed around the world each year.
Since it’s a progressive disease, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s usually develop slowly and deteriorate over time. Mild forgetfulness—misplacing keys, forgetting names, or repeating questions—eventually declines into widespread brain impairment. As critical cells die, drastic changes to your memory and personality can occur, leading to mood and behavior problems and making it impossible to remember, communicate, or process information, or carry out the functions of daily living. Ultimately, each one of us with Alzheimer’s disease will one day require care and assistance.
Suspecting that you or a loved one are exhibiting the signs of Alzheimer’s can be a life-changing, profoundly frightening, and stressful experience. But while there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, that doesn’t mean that you’re powerless against the disease. Firstly, it’s important to remember that not all memory loss indicates Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. It’s crucial to distinguish between the normal signs of aging and the symptoms of something more serious.
Secondly, even when your worst fears are realized, the earlier you’re diagnosed and seek help, the better your outlook. There are treatments available for some symptoms and there’s a great deal of ongoing research looking for new therapies. There are also specific lifestyle changes that can be highly effective in helping you slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, prolong your independence, and preserve your quality of life for as long as possible.
Symptoms of early-onset or young-onset Alzheimer’s disease occur before the age of 65, often in middle age, sometimes even as early as your 30s. It is seen more often in those whose parents or grandparents also developed the disease at a young age. In some cases, the disease is caused by a rare gene mutation that can be passed from parent to child.
Recognizing Alzheimer’s symptoms at any age is never easy. In middle-age or younger, it can present even more challenges to your relationships, work, and family life. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Early-onset Alzheimer’s affects about five percent of Alzheimer’s patients and there is help available. As well as ensuring you get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment early, the same steps that can help prevent the disease may also help you delay the onset of more debilitating symptoms.
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
Despite its prevalence and the amount of research into the disease, there’s still much about Alzheimer’s that remains unclear. For a long time, scientists looking for the causes of Alzheimer’s focused mainly on the buildup of proteins in the brain—amyloid that accumulates in plaques and tau that forms tangles—which degenerate nerve connections and gradually destroy memory and thinking. However, some drug experiments have found that even when amyloid plaque is addressed, cognitive decline still seems to continue in patients. Ongoing studies continue to explore the role that protein buildup may play in the development of the disease.
Evidence suggests that many other factors may also play a role in the development of the disease, such as inflammation, immunity impairment, exposure to toxins, and changes in the way the brain handles glucose. Since women experience Alzheimer’s at significantly higher rates than men, it’s possible hormonal changes could also contribute to the disease.
With the exception of early-onset Alzheimer’s, the disease is most likely triggered by a combination of advancing age and genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Other causes of Alzheimer’s symptoms
Other conditions can mimic early Alzheimer’s symptoms, such as:
Central nervous system and other degenerative disorders, including head injuries, brain tumors, stroke, epilepsy, Pick’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.
Metabolic ailments, such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, and kidney or liver failure.
Substance-induced conditions, such as drug interactions, medication side-effects, alcohol and drug abuse.
Psychological factors, such as depression, emotional trauma, chronic stress, psychosis, chronic sleep deprivation, and delirium. Infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, and syphilis.
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Risk factors for Alzheimer’s
While the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease don’t usually appear until later in life, over the age of 65, the risk factors can develop much earlier. Some—such as age, gender, family history, and genetics—are clearly out of anyone’s control. Others, such as lifestyle choices that affect your brain health—diet, exercise, and blood pressure, for example—are factors you can influence throughout your life. In fact, research from 2020 indicates that as many as 40 percent of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing lifestyle factors.
High blood pressure. What’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. Eating a heart-healthy diet and avoiding high blood pressure can significantly decrease your risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Obesity. As well as adversely impacting your heart health, being overweight appears to increase the risk of developing a buildup of amyloid plaque in the brain later in life. Maintaining a healthy weight, on the other hand, reduces your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Smoking. Smoking increases your risk of vascular disease and the toxins can increase inflammation, both of which are risk factors for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
Social isolation and depression. Loneliness and social isolation in older adults is linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and premature death. The CDC reports it is also associated with about a 50 percent increase in the risk of dementia.
Poor sleep. Lack of quality sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness can lead to impaired brain function and an increase in the buildup of amyloid plaque associated with Alzheimer’s. Having untreated sleep apnea may also make you more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s.
Physical inactivity. Regularly exercising your body is one of the best things you can do for your brain. It can help you improve your vascular health, maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, and manage depression, all major risk factors for Alzheimer’s.
Excessive alcohol use. Drinking small amounts of wine may actually help protect your brain, but heavy or binge drinking has the opposite effect and increases your risk of Alzheimer’s.
Head injury. Studies suggest that suffering a traumatic brain injury may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s in older age. While avoiding injury is often outside your control, you can help to lower your risk by protecting your head whenever possible, such as wearing a helmet when cycling or a seatbelt when driving.
Diabetes. Diabetes is a risk factor for dementia, and the risk increases based on the duration and severity of the condition. So, if you already have diabetes, take the steps necessary to manage your condition.
Air pollution. Exposure to air pollutants can have many health consequences for your body and brain, including an increased risk of dementia. Some steps you can take to minimize exposure to air pollution include using indoor air filters and limiting time spent near sources of pollution, such as vehicle exhaust fumes.
Education. Less education in early life is seen as a risk factor for dementia. However, no matter what your age, it’s never too late to give your brain a good workout by learning something new. Learn a new language, pick up a musical instrument, or enjoy a new board game with friends.
Hearing impairment. Studies show that hearing loss is associated with worse cognition and increased risk of dementia. To protect your hearing, limit exposure to loud noises and wear protective accessories, such as earplugs, when loud noises are unavoidable. If you’re already experiencing noticeable hearing loss, using a hearing aid may have a protective effect against cognitive decline.
Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
For most people who develop Alzheimer’s, it tends to be changes in memory that are detected first. You may notice the decline yourself or have it pointed out to you by family or friends. But the disease is about more than just memory changes. Alzheimer’s also presents itself as problems with language, judgment, and abstract thinking.
The early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease include:
Memory loss that impacts your daily life. You frequently forget important events, dates, or things you’ve recently been told, causing you to continually repeat yourself or rely more and more on memory aids like sticky notes or reminders on your phone.
Struggling to find words when talking or writing. You find it hard to follow or join in conversations, lose track of what you were saying, or have trouble naming familiar objects.
Difficulty with visual images or judging distance. You have trouble balancing or driving, and fall or spill things more often. Reading may also be more challenging.
Misplacing things such as putting your wallet in the fridge and then having difficulty retracing your steps to find it.
Problems handling familiar tasks such as driving to familiar destinations, using your phone or computer, or following recipes you used to know well.
Trouble with planning or problem solving. You struggle to concentrate and deal with numbers, making it harder to pay bills, balance your checkbook, or manage your finances.
Confusion about time or places. You lose track of dates or seasons, and forget where you are or how you came to be there.
Withdrawing from social interests. You neglect hobbies and interests you used to enjoy and decline social activities.
Deteriorating judgment. You neglect your personal hygiene, struggle to care for a pet, or find yourself the victim of scams.
Mood and personality changes. You’re easily upset, quick to anger, or often feel depressed, anxious, suspicious, or confused.
The difference between normal signs of aging and Alzheimer’s
For many people, detecting the first signs of memory problems in themselves or a loved one brings an immediate fear of Alzheimer’s disease. However, most of us over 65 experience some level of forgetfulness. Occasionally forgetting where you left your glasses, calling your grandson by your son’s name, walking into a room and forgetting why, or not quite being able to retrieve information you have “on the tip of your tongue”, for example, are not considered warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
It is normal for age-related brain shrinkage to produce changes in processing speed, attention, and short-term memory, creating so-called “senior moments”. For most of us, these occasional lapses in short-term memory are a normal part of the aging process.
The primary difference between the normal signs of aging and Alzheimer’s disease is that the former doesn’t affect your ability to function in daily life. Occasional memory lapses as you get older don’t prevent you from doing what you want to do. In Alzheimer’s disease, however, memory loss becomes so severe that it disrupts your work, hobbies, social activities, and family relationships.
Signs of Normal Change vs. Early Alzheimer’s Symptoms
Normal change: Can’t find your keys. Early Alzheimer’s: Routinely place important items in odd places, such as keys in the fridge, wallet in the dishwasher.
Normal change:Search for casual names and words. Early Alzheimer’s: Forget names of family members and common objects, or substitute words with inappropriate ones.
Normal change:Briefly forget conversation details. Early Alzheimer’s: Frequently forget entire conversations.
Normal change:Feel the cold more. Early Alzheimer’s: Dress regardless of the weather. For example, wearing several skirts on a warm day or shorts in a snow storm.
Normal change:Can’t find a recipe. Early Alzheimer’s: Can’t follow recipe directions.
Normal change:Forget to record a check. Early Alzheimer’s: Can no longer manage checkbook, balance figures, solve problems, or think abstractly.
Normal change:Cancel a date with friends. Early Alzheimer’s: Withdraw from usual interests and activities, sit in front of the TV for hours, sleep far more than usual.
Normal change:Make an occasional wrong turn. Early Alzheimer’s: Get lost in familiar places, don’t remember how you got there or how to get home.
Normal change:Feel occasionally sad. Early Alzheimer’s: Experience rapid mood swings, from tears to rage, for no discernible reason.
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease
There is no single definitive medical test for identifying Alzheimer’s. To make a diagnosis from your symptoms, a doctor will look for:
Significant memory problems in immediate recall, short-term, or long-term memory.
Significant cognitive deficits in at least one of four areas:
Expressing or comprehending language.
Identifying familiar objects through the senses.
Coordination, gait, or muscle function.
The executive functions of planning, ordering, and making judgments.
Mood, personality, and behavior problems such as experiencing sleep problems, depression, anxiety, or mood swings.
Decline severe enough to interfere with relationships and/or work performance.
Symptoms that appear gradually and become steadily worse over time.
Other causes to be ruled out to ensure memory and cognitive symptoms are not the result of another medical condition or disease, such as mild cognitive impairment.
Alzheimer’s disease vs. mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Early dementia, also known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), involves problems with memory, language, or other cognitive functions. But unlike those with full-blown Alzheimer’s, people with MCI are still able to function in their daily lives without relying on others.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 15 to 20 percent of people over the age of 65 experience mild cognitive impairment. Many people with MCI eventually develop Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. However, others plateau at a relatively mild stage of decline and are able to live independently. Some people with mild cognitive impairment even return to normal.
Frequently forgetting conversations, appointments, or events.
Difficulty remembering the names of new acquaintances.
Difficulty following the flow of a conversation.
It is not yet fully understood why MCI progresses to Alzheimer’s disease in some, while remaining stable in others. The course is difficult to predict, but in general, the greater the degree of memory impairment, the greater the risk of developing Alzheimer’s down the line.
Coping with a diagnosis
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is the last thing anyone wants to hear. While it is undoubtedly a life-altering experience that will take both you and your family time to come to terms with, it doesn’t mean that your life is over. Once you have a diagnosis and know what you’re facing, you can start to take steps to slow the progression of the disease and ensure you’re able to live your life as fully as possible for as long as possible.
It’s important to give yourself time to process the myriad of emotions you’re likely experiencing. Allowing yourself to feel even unpleasant emotions will allow the shock and distress of your diagnosis to eventually pass, and enable you to see a way forward. It’s also important to reach out to others at this difficult time. The love and support of friends and loved ones can make a huge difference to your mood and outlook.
Similarly, pursuing activities that bring you meaning and joy can help bolster your sense of purpose—whether that’s engaging in favorite hobbies and interests, traveling, volunteering, or building your legacy by writing your memoirs or spending more time with your family.
Slowing the progression of symptoms
The same healthy lifestyle changes that are used to prevent Alzheimer’s disease can also be useful in slowing the advancement of symptoms.
Get regular exercise to stimulate your brain’s ability to maintain old connections, make new ones, and slow deterioration of cognitive abilities.
Stay socially engaged. Connecting face-to-face with others can help improve your cognitive function.
Eat a brain-healthy diet. The right foods can help reduce inflammation and promote better communication between brain cells.
Find mental stimulation. Learning new things and challenging your brain can help strengthen your cognitive skills.
Get quality sleep to flush out brain toxins and avoid the build-up of damaging plaques.
Manage stress to help slow shrinking in a key memory area of the brain and protect nerve cell growth.
Take care of your heart. Controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be just as good for your brain health.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be a long, stressful, and intensely emotional journey. But it can be a rewarding, life-affirming experience as well.
The more you understand about the caregiving role, the better you’ll be able to prepare for future challenges and cope with the stress and emotional upheaval that comes with each new stage.
Alzheimer’s disease follows a gradual progression through different stages. By understanding these different stages of the disease, you can make plans for appropriate care and better prepare for the future. Read: Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: What to Expect as it Progresses.
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Committee on the Health and Medical Dimensions of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults, Board on Health Sciences Policy, Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences, Health and Medicine Division, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, & National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2020). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System (p. 25663). National Academies Press.
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