Memory loss may be the most recognizable symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is far from the only one. November marks Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, an opportunity to understand the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, recognize symptoms and learn how the disease affects the brain.
Although often used interchangeably, Alzheimer’s and dementia are not the same.
Dementia is a general term for a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is not a disease itself, but a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions. Types include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60 to 80 percent of cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that causes brain cells to die over time. Symptoms typically begin with mild memory loss and progress toward severe cognitive decline.
Although symptoms and progression rates vary among different types of dementia, Alzheimer’s is always progressive. Treatment generally focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life.
The healthy human brain contains billions of neurons, specialized cells that process and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. These cells communicate between different parts of the brain and the rest of the body. Alzheimer’s disease disrupts that communication, causing neurons to lose connections, stop functioning properly and eventually die.
Unlike normal aging, which may cause some brain shrinkage but does not typically involve widespread neuron loss, Alzheimer’s causes progressive damage throughout the brain. The disease is associated with the buildup of two abnormal proteins: amyloid-beta plaques, which form between brain cells, and tau tangles, which develop inside them. These protein deposits cause damage to neurons and interfere with their ability to function.
Alzheimer’s disease is commonly described in three stages: mild, moderate and severe. Although symptoms and rates of progression may vary, memory problems are often among the first signs of cognitive impairment.
In the mild stage, memory loss and cognitive difficulties become more noticeable. Symptoms may include repeating questions, wandering and getting lost, struggling to manage finances, taking longer to complete everyday tasks and personality and behavioral changes. Many people are diagnosed during this stage.
During the moderate stage, memory loss and confusion worsen. People may struggle to recognize family and friends, learn new information, or complete everyday tasks. Some may also experience hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and impulsive behavior.
In the severe stage, brain damage becomes widespread, and brain tissue shrinks significantly. People may lose the ability to communicate and become completely dependent on others for daily care. Near the end of life, people may spend most or all their time in bed as their bodies shut down.
