Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia - according to Alzheimer's Research UK, around six in every 10 people living with dementia are affected by it. It's a progressive illness that slowly damages a person's brain. The symptoms start off mild but become more severe over time - impacting an individual's memory, behaviour and ability to think.
Although increasing age is a risk factor (the majority of people impacted by Alzheimer's are aged 65 and over), it is not a normal part of ageing. In our guide, we'll explore the illness' early signs, symptoms, causes and much more to help you get a better understanding.
It's important to note that if you or someone you know is worried about memory issues or any of the symptoms we talk about in this guide, speak to a GP - they'll be able to identify the cause of them.
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What are the early signs of Alzheimer's?
What is the difference between Alzheimer's and Dementia?
What are the causes of Alzheimer's?
Is there a cure for Alzheimer's?
What Alzheimer's support is available?
What are the Early Signs of Alzheimer's?
Memory loss is the most common early sign of Alzheimer's disease. So, a person may experience challenges in remembering recent events or conversations, or struggle to recall the names of places and objects.
Usually, these difficulties are minor to begin with, worsening over time. The other Alzheimer’s symptoms can include:
- confusion and disorientation
- challenges with completing familiar tasks
- changes in personality - for example, becoming aggressive or suspicious
- problems with mobility and self-care
- speech and language difficulties
- low mood or anxiety
- hallucinations and delusions
What is the Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia?
Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms associated with a decline in cognitive functionality, such as memory loss, behaviour, language and problem-solving.
Alzheimer's is a specific illness and is currently the most common cause of dementia.
What are the Causes of Alzheimer's?
Researchers don't know exactly what causes Alzheimer's disease. However, it's believed there's no single cause - but instead a series of risk influencers, such as:
- age (Alzheimer's predominantly affects people 65 and over; people from the ages of 40 to 65 can also be affected by young on-set Alzheimer’s, but this is less common)
- history of the condition within the family
- untreated depression
- lifestyle factors
The illness is thought to occur when proteins build up to form plaques around brain cells and tangles within them. It causes brain cells to die and a breakdown of nerve cell networks, gradually impacting different parts of the brain.
The hippocampus, which is the part of the brain used for the storage and formation of new memories, is often the first area to experience damage.
Is There a Cure for Alzheimer's?
No. There are currently no cures for Alzheimer’s, but there are medications that can temporarily reduce and help those affected manage the symptoms of the illness.
What Alzheimer's Support is Available?
If you're concerned you or a loved one might be experiencing any of the early signs or symptoms we've discussed, contacting a GP is always the best course of action to take.
There's no single test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, but a GP will be able to determine whether you have the illness or refer you to a specialist (an old age psychiatrist, elderly care physician or a neurologist).
With the right level of care and support, a person affected by Alzheimer's can live a comfortable and fulfilling life. However, with it being a progressive illness, the symptoms may worsen to the point where some people require dedicated specialist support within a care home.
At Sanctuary Care, we specialise in delivering person-centred care for people affected by dementia. We have dementia care homes across the UK, with teams of compassionate carers who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our residents.
To find out more about our services, find the dementia care home nearest to you and how we can help you, give our dedicated Enquiry Support Team a call today on 0800 046 4231.
