Alzheimer’s disease is a type of Dementia that affects your memory, thinking, and behavior. Over time, the progressive brain disorder’s symptoms become so severe that people living with Alzheimer’s disease struggle to complete daily tasks. They often require additional support and services. Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, but there are treatment options available for managing systems and achieving a higher quality of life.

Alzheimer’s disease is the result of an abnormal build-up of amyloid proteins and tau proteins in the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. The build-up blocks communication between nerve cells, preventing them from carrying out their processes.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that nearly 7 million people have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. Typically, Alzheimer’s disease begins with mild memory loss but worsens over time to include more severe loss of brain function.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary based on the stage of the disease and how much it has progressed:

Mild Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease first become noticeable in the mild stage. The most common indication is difficulty retaining new information, such as recent events, places, and names.

Other symptoms of mild Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Trouble finding the right words to express thoughts
• Forgetting where items were left
• Having trouble making plans or organizing activities
• Difficulty problem-solving
• Requiring additional time to complete routine tasks

Moderate Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Moderate Alzheimer’s can last for many years, and people often require additional care and assistance. Common symptoms at this stage include:

• Having short-term memory loss and being confused about which day of the week it is, which season they’re in, and where they are
• Having trouble recognizing familiar faces
• Repeating the same stories or thoughts
• Requiring assistance with self-care activities
• Experiencing personality changes, including being agitated or acting out
• Showing signs of depression or anxiety
• Experiencing urinary incontinence
• Having trouble sleeping
• Beginning to wander

Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

Symptoms are often the most severe in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. In most cases, you require extensive care. Severe-stage Alzheimer’s symptoms include:

• Total memory loss
• No recollection of surroundings
• Needing help with all everyday activities, such as eating, walking, and sitting up
• Inability to communicate

Alzheimer’s can affect anyone at any age. Risk factors for Alzheimer’s include:

• Age: The risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age, with the risk doubling every five years after the age of 65. After age 85, the risk reaches nearly one-third.
• Family history: Research shows people who have a parent, brother, or sister with Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease themselves. The risk increases if more than one family member has the disease.
• Previous brain injury: Evidence shows a link between past traumatic brain injuries from falls, accidents, contact sports, and other incidents with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Certain medical conditions: Because the heart is responsible for supplying the brain with the necessary nutrients, brain health and heart health often go hand in hand. Many cardiovascular conditions can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, including high blood pressure and diabetes. 
• Smoking: Smoking greatly increases the risk of several concerning health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.
• Physical inactivity: Obesity due to physical inactivity increases the likelihood of experiencing Alzheimer’s disease.