Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

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322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor New York, NY 10001 USA 800-586-4872

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, thinking and language skills, and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia itself is not a disease, but a term used to describe symptoms such as loss of memory, loss of judgment and other intellectual functions. Alzheimer’s disease can cause dementia. More than 6.2 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease.

What are signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

Although each individual is unique, experts have identified common warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, including:

Memory loss, especially of recent events, names, places and other new information
Confusion about time and place
Struggling to complete familiar tasks such as brushing one’s teeth
Trouble finding appropriate words, for example in a sentence
Difficulties in judging situations
Changes in mood and personality

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America follows the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging in describing the disease in three stages early (mild), middle (moderate) and late (severe).

Early (Mild)

In this stage, people may:

Forget words or misplace objects
Forget something they just read
Ask the same question over and over
Have increasing trouble making plans or organizing
Not remember names when meeting new people

Middle (Moderate)

In this stage, people may have:

Increased memory loss and confusion
Problems recognizing family and friends
Continuously repeating stories, favorite wants (e.g., foods, places, songs, etc.), or motions
Decreased ability to perform complex tasks (e.g., planning dinner) or handle personal finances (e.g., paying bills)
Lack of concern for hygiene and appearance
Requiring assistance in choosing proper clothing to wear for day, season, or occasion

Late (Severe)

In this stage, there is almost total memory loss. The individual may:

Recognize faces but forget names
Mistake a person for someone else
Delusions—such as thinking he/she needs to go to work — may set in, even though he/she no longer has a job
There is a strong need for holding something close for tactile stimulation, nurturing, companionship and comfort
Basic abilities such as eating, walking, and sitting up fade during this period; the individual may no longer recognize when he/she is thirsty or hungry and will need help with all basic activities of daily living.

It is important to note that Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, and it is important to look for signs like these that might indicate Alzheimer’s disease versus basic forgetfulness or other conditions. With Alzheimer’s disease, these symptoms gradually increase and become more persistent.
Getting a free virtual memory screening is a good way to detect potential memory issues. Click here to learn more.

About Dementia

Dementia is a general term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills, including judgement, reasoning and complex motor skills. Though there are different types of dementia-related illnesses, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common in persons aged 65 and older, and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia (LBD, an umbrella term that refers to both Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies), frontotemporal dementia, and alcohol-induced dementia. Dementia-related illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are NOT part of normal aging.

Is it Dementia?

It is important to keep in mind that not all memory problems are a result of dementia. There are a number of other causes of memory issues, including vitamin deficiency, thyroid problems, urinary tract infections, medication side effects, stress, and depression. Many of these are readily treatable and, in some cases, curable.
If you have noticed memory or personality changes, in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional. A comprehensive medical evaluation can help identify the cause of memory changes and point you in the right direction. Your healthcare provider may also refer you to a neurologist for more in-depth testing.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease; however, there are several medications, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that can help slow the progression of the symptoms of the disease and prolong cognitive function.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

The following are some common warning signs and symptoms of dementia. Keep in mind that each individual is unique and may not exhibit all of these symptoms. Always consult a physician to discuss changes in memory and thinking abilities.

Difficulty finding words
Trouble completing complex mental tasks, for example tasks with multiple steps, balancing a checkbook, paying bills
Confusion about time, place or people
Misplacing familiar objects
Personality changes, such as irritability or depression
Loss of interest in important responsibilities
Expressing false beliefs
Changes in judgement/trouble making decisions

Take Action, Educate Yourself

The more you know about dementia and its warning signs, the better prepared you will be to recognize them in yourself or a loved one and to intervene early on.
Early detection of memory problems can afford a person an opportunity to participate in vital care planning discussions, including legal, health and financial decisions. It can also afford a person the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial or take advantage of mediations that can help slow the progression of symptoms and maintain a positive quality of life.
Getting a free virtual memory screening is a good way to detect potential memory issues. Click here to learn more.
Have questions or need more information? Contact AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Online Academy

Trainings and educational programming for professionals who serve individuals with dementia and family care partners, offered live and on demand.

AFA Partners in Care: Supporting Individuals Living With Dementia Training

Our signature 5½ hour professional training, which offers 5.5 CE credits, underscores the importance of building relationships in dementia care and provides trainees with critical knowledge and skills, conveyed in a convenient, modular format.

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