Alzheimer’s Disease: A Brain Disorder that Destroys Memory

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually affects memory, thinking, learning and reasoning. It can damage both short-term and long-term memory, although difficulties remembering recent events are often among the earliest symptoms.

Alzheimer’s is named after a German neurologist named Dr Alois Alzheimer. In 1906, he described unusual clumps and tangled structures in the brain of a woman who had experienced progressive memory and behavioural problems.

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. In fact, it is the most common cause of dementia in the UK.

The risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age, particularly after 65. However, it can also affect younger people. Alzheimer’s is not a normal or inevitable part of ageing.

Contents

• What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
• What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
• How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
• What treatment options are available?
• Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease damages brain cells and eventually causes them to die. The disease is associated with abnormal deposits of proteins, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which interfere with normal brain function. Researchers do not yet fully understand why Alzheimer’s develops.

People over the age of 65 are more likely to experience Alzheimer’s disease. You may also have an increased risk if there is a family history of the condition or if you have Down’s syndrome. However, most people with Alzheimer’s do not have a directly inherited form of the disease.

There are some risk factors that have been identified for Alzheimer’s disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle. Some studies have also linked traumatic brain injury to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are medications and lifestyle measures that can help manage symptoms and support general health. Maintaining cardiovascular health, taking regular exercise, avoiding smoking and managing conditions such as high blood pressure may help reduce the risk of dementia, although they cannot guarantee prevention.

It is important for individuals who are experiencing memory loss or other cognitive changes to see a GP for a proper assessment and treatment plan.

Further information is available from the NHS guide to Alzheimer’s disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?

The most well-known symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss. However, there are other problems that people with Alzheimer’s may experience. Some of the warning signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Memory loss. This is one of the most commonly recognised symptoms. People with Alzheimer’s may forget recent conversations, where items were put down or the names of familiar people and places.
• Difficulty with daily tasks. People with Alzheimer’s may forget how to complete familiar activities, leave the oven on or put items in unusual locations.
• Problems with numbers or maths. People with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty managing money, understanding numbers or balancing a chequebook.
• Speech difficulties. Alzheimer’s can affect speech and language, making it difficult to remember words, follow conversations or express thoughts clearly.
• Disorientation. People with Alzheimer’s may lose their way in familiar surroundings or become confused about where they are and how they got there.
• Poor judgement. For example, people with Alzheimer’s may forget to wear appropriate clothing in cold weather or have difficulty making everyday decisions.
• Changes in mood and behaviour. People with Alzheimer’s can experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, agitation or increased confusion.
• Changes in personality. Some people with Alzheimer’s may become suspicious, withdrawn or unusually distressed. Hallucinations and delusions can also occur, particularly as the condition progresses.

In the later stages of Alzheimer’s, people with severe disease may become unable to manage everyday activities independently and may become bedridden. They may begin to need assistance with daily living skills such as eating, bathing and using the toilet.

Communication will become more difficult as the disease progresses, and some people may eventually lose much of their ability to speak or write.

Alzheimer’s is not a one-size-fits-all disease. It affects everyone differently. Some people may live with the condition for ten or more years, while it progresses more rapidly in others.

In addition to physical and cognitive decline, individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience emotional changes such as depression, anxiety and agitation. Carers of those with Alzheimer’s may also experience significant stress and strain, especially as the disease progresses and the person requires more intensive care.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments and interventions can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for people with the disease and their carers. Research continues into treatments that may slow disease progression and improve support for those affected.

Important: Memory loss does not automatically mean someone has Alzheimer’s disease. Stress, depression, medication side effects and other medical conditions can also affect memory. Anyone experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should seek medical advice.

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

Doctors can often diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with a reasonable degree of confidence, although there is no single test that can establish the diagnosis in every case. Diagnosis relies on a combination of medical history, assessment of symptoms, cognitive testing and, where appropriate, specialist investigations.

There are several tests and assessments that may help with diagnosing Alzheimer’s:

• Physical examination and review of medical history.
• Memory, thinking and problem-solving tests.
• Blood tests to investigate other possible causes of symptoms.
• CT or MRI brain scans, where appropriate.
• Specialist investigations, including tests for Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers, in selected cases.

A GP may refer someone to a specialist memory clinic for further assessment. Doctors will also consider other possible causes of memory difficulties, including depression, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies and medication side effects.

Modern diagnostic techniques can sometimes identify biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease during life. The older belief that Alzheimer’s can only be confirmed through a brain examination after death is therefore no longer an accurate description of current diagnostic practice.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive, life-limiting condition. In its later stages, complications such as swallowing difficulties and chest infections, including pneumonia, can become serious.

For more information, see the NHS guidance on diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Alzheimer’s?

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s. However, there are drug treatments available that may temporarily improve symptoms and support the patient’s quality of life.

Medicines commonly used in the UK include donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine, which may help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine may be prescribed for moderate or severe Alzheimer’s, depending on individual circumstances.

These medicines do not cure Alzheimer’s or stop the underlying disease, but they may help with symptoms such as memory, thinking and everyday functioning.

Newer treatments, including lecanemab and donanemab, target amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials have shown that these treatments can modestly slow cognitive decline in some people with early Alzheimer’s, but they do not reverse the condition or provide a cure. They also carry potentially serious risks, including brain swelling and bleeding. Although authorised for certain patients in the UK, they are not routinely available through the NHS in England as of October 2026, with NICE assessments and funding decisions remaining important considerations.

People who have Alzheimer’s need to visit their GP regularly so that the doctor can monitor disease progression, review medication and check for other illnesses. The doctor can also support the patient’s family by providing resources and answering any questions they may have.

Scientists have discovered genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Research into genetics and the biological processes involved may lead to further treatments in the future.

Additionally, there are non-drug treatments available for Alzheimer’s patients, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, occupational therapy and appropriate physical exercise. These treatments aim to support the patient’s mental and physical abilities and maintain independence for as long as possible.

Carer support is also an important part of Alzheimer’s treatment, as it can help reduce stress for both the patient and their family members.

In some cases, clinical trials may be available for patients who want to consider experimental treatments for Alzheimer’s. It is important to discuss all available options with a healthcare professional.

For further information about medicines and other treatments, visit the NHS Alzheimer’s treatment guide.

Caring for Someone With Alzheimer’s Disease

This can be very difficult for all the parties involved. The better understanding you have of Alzheimer’s, the better care you can provide.

Below are some tips that may help in caring for someone with this disease:

• Keep the person’s surroundings familiar, comfortable and safe.
• Encourage moderate exercise when possible and appropriate for their health and mobility.
• Patience is the key. Speak slowly and clearly when you are talking to loved ones. Stand where you can be seen.
• Use reassuring body language, facial expressions and gestures to support communication.
• Help your loved one maintain personal hygiene and familiar routines. Haircuts, baths and other personal care activities can support comfort and wellbeing.
• If the person you are looking after is at risk of becoming lost, consider appropriate safety measures, such as identification details, supervised activities or assistive technology. Avoid locking someone inside, as this may create serious safety risks, particularly in an emergency. Seek professional advice about managing wandering safely.

It is also important for carers to look after their own health. Respite care, local support groups and professional advice can help families manage the emotional and practical challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

To find out more about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website. The charity provides information, practical advice and support services for people living with dementia and their families throughout the UK.

Anyone concerned about changes in their own memory or the memory of someone close to them should arrange an appointment with a GP. Early assessment can help identify the cause and provide access to appropriate treatment, advice and support.

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