What to know about Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, behavior, and thinking abilities. It’s the leading cause of dementia, which is a decline of cognitive function that interferes with daily activities.

Alzheimer’s is quite common, with a new diagnosis made every 65 seconds in the United States. The numbers are on the rise, too. About 7 million U.S. adults have Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By the year 2060, that number is expected to jump to 14 million people.

While scientists are still learning about the causes of Alzheimer’s, it involves the buildup of abnormal protein clumps, called “plaques” and “tangles,” in the brain. It is believed that these structures prevent brain cells from communicating with each other and may eventually cause the death of cells.

Alzheimer's disease signs and symptoms

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically appear after age 60. They differ from person to person and change as the disease progresses.

Early-stage symptoms

Early in the illness, you might experience forgetfulness, a shorter attention span, and difficulty finishing familiar tasks. Other early-stage symptoms include:

• Concentration problems
• The inability to store new information
• Planning difficulties
• Trouble functioning at work

Some people with early-stage symptoms might be experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with MCI have more memory problems compared to others their age but are still able to function in daily life. Just because you have MCI, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop Alzheimer’s. Your symptoms may remain the same or get better over time.

Middle-stage symptoms

As the disease progresses to the moderate or middle stage, you may:

• Forget personal information like your address or phone number
• Have a hard time recognizing family and friends
• Experience hallucinations or delusions
• Wander or get lost more often

Late-stage symptoms

Finally, late-stage Alzheimer’s can interfere with basic bodily functions like the ability to walk, swallow, or control bowel and bladder habits. This stage normally requires full-time assistance from a caregiver who can help with personal care needs.

Diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

If you experience symptoms like forgetfulness or a shorter attention span, your healthcare provider (HCP) will start to monitor your cognitive skills over time and regularly ask questions about your behaviors. Since it's difficult to accurately answer those questions by yourself, it's helpful to have a friend or family member with you at appointments.

If your cognitive health continues to decline, your HCP will perform medical tests to rule out other conditions. For example, they may take blood or urine samples to check for diabetes or thyroid problems or send you for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to check for other brain conditions.

People with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to develop the condition. If you have close relatives with Alzheimer's, let your HCP know so they can begin cognitive testing at the appropriate age.

There's no cure for Alzheimer's currently, but there are medications that can offer symptom relief. The goal of treatment is to maximize your quality of life and give you as much meaningful time with loved ones as possible.

Why are more U.S. adults dying of Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is the seventh leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the sixth leading cause of death among adults ages 65 and older, according to the CDC.

Since ages 65 and older are most at risk, the increase in deaths from the disease may be partly due to people living longer. It could also be attributed to more accurate Alzheimer’s diagnoses, or HCPs correctly naming it as cause of death. It's important to note that Alzheimer's affects far more women than men, as well.

How to lower your risk

While you can’t prevent Alzheimer’s, certain healthy habits may offer some protection:

• Avoid tobacco. Make a quit plan or find an addiction specialist near you.
• Eat a healthy diet. That may involve trying the MIND Diet, a special eating plan that draws from elements of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet. It emphasizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats from seafood and plant sources.
• Exercise regularly. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise weekly, preferably spread across several days.
• Engage your mind. Add simple brain-boosting habits, such as reading, to your daily routine.

If you experience what you suspect may be Alzheimer’s disease symptoms, don’t wait to see your HCP. A prompt diagnosis can let treatment start sooner, which may help you remain independent longer.