Dementia & Alzheimer's

Dementia is not one disease. It is a general term for a loss of memory, thinking, language and problem-solving skills that is serious enough to get in the way of everyday life.

About 1 in 10 Americans age 65 and older has dementia. Many conditions can cause it, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, accounting for an estimated 60% to 80% of cases. Today, more than 7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s.

If you are worried about yourself or someone you love, there is reason for hope: blood tests, new medicines and proven lifestyle steps can make a real difference, especially when started early.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer’s is a brain disease. Over many years, proteins called amyloid and tau build up and damage the brain cells that help us remember, think and plan. These changes can begin 20 years or more before memory problems show up.

Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. There is no cure yet, but treatments can ease symptoms, and even slow the disease in its early stages.

About 7.4 million Americans 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s, roughly 1 in 9.
Almost two-thirds are women. At age 45, a woman’s lifetime risk is about 1 in 5; a man’s is 1 in 10.
Alzheimer’s is the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans 65 and older.
After diagnosis, people 65 and older live 4 to 8 years on average; some live 20.

Causes and risk factors

The exact cause is unknown. For most people, Alzheimer’s likely results from a mix of age, genes, health and lifestyle.

Risk factors you cannot change

Age: the biggest risk. About 5% of people ages 65-74 have Alzheimer’s, compared with about 36% at 85 and older.
Genes: The APOE4 gene raises risk, and two copies raise it most, but carrying it does not guarantee Alzheimer’s. Rare mutations (APP, PSEN1, PSEN2) cause under 1% of cases, usually before age 65.
Family history: having a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s raises risk.
Down syndrome greatly raises risk.
Race and ethnicity: Black Americans 65 and older are about twice as likely, and Hispanic Americans about 1.5 times as likely, to have Alzheimer’s as White Americans. This is largely linked to higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke, and unequal access to education and health care.

Risk factors you can change

Experts estimate that 14 modifiable factors may account for nearly half of dementia cases worldwide: high blood pressure, diabetes, high LDL cholesterol, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol, physical inactivity, untreated hearing or vision loss, head injury, depression, social isolation, less education and air pollution. Poor sleep may also play a role.

In a US study of 2,100+ diverse older adults, two years of exercise, healthy eating, mental challenges and social activity improved thinking.

Ten early warning signs

With Alzheimer’s, changes keep getting worse and disrupt daily life:

Forgetting recent conversations or repeating questions
Trouble planning or paying bills
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion about time or place
Trouble judging distance or color
Problems finding words
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
Poor judgment
Withdrawing from hobbies or social life
Changes in mood or personality

Other symptoms

Apathy and depression are often early signs.
Anxiety, irritability and suspicion.
Delusions and hallucinations. Black patients are about twice as likely as White patients to have them.
Sleep problems are common and treatable.

Agitation affects roughly 4 to 7 in 10 people with Alzheimer’s dementia. Restlessness, pacing, yelling or refusing care is often triggered by pain, hunger, tiredness, noise or a change in routine. Non-drug approaches such as music, reminiscing and a calm routine come first. Medication is used only when other approaches have not worked.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis usually starts with a primary care provider, who checks memory and rules out treatable causes such as thyroid problems, low vitamin levels, depression or medicine side effects. Specialists can confirm Alzheimer’s with a PET scan, spinal fluid test or blood test.

Why early diagnosis matters

The newest medicines work only in early stages; in studies they helped people stay independent roughly 10 to 13 months longer. Early diagnosis also uncovers treatable look-alikes, improves safety and gives families time to plan.

What you can do today

Talk to your doctor. Ask for a memory check at your yearly wellness visit.
Ask about testing. New blood tests can help specialists find signs of Alzheimer’s earlier and more easily.
Keep blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol in check.
Move, eat well, stay connected.
Check your hearing and vision.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming, but no one has to face it alone. Taking action early can help people living with Alzheimer’s keep their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

Connect with a patient advocate

Anita

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