Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.¹ However, what’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s? Dementia is a blanket term for brain disorders that cause memory loss and impaired thinking. There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but it can be managed with proper medical care to slow or delay its symptoms.

Here’s a closer look at Alzheimer’s disease and how to find a WellMed provider near you.

Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Knowing the signs of Alzheimer’s can help you navigate and manage this condition more confidently. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease develop slowly over time and are not often noticeable at first.

Early signs of Alzheimer’s include²:

• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Mood changes
• Vision changes
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Challenges with problem-solving
• Problems with speaking and writing
• Losing or misplacing items
• Loss of decision-making abilities
• Poor judgement
• Withdrawal from work and social activities

Some Alzheimer’s disease symptoms overlap with those of unrelated conditions, such as kidney disease and thyroid disorders. Your doctor may rule out conditions like these before starting treatment.

What causes Alzheimer’s disease?

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to result from a combination of factors.¹

Alzheimer’s harms and destroys neurons. Neurons are cells that process and send information between different parts of the brain and body.³ Damaged or missing neurons can cause problems with memory and cognition.

Is Alzheimer’s hereditary? Yes—researchers believe genetics may be linked to the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s. This disease may also be influenced by your environment and lifestyle behaviors.¹

Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease⁴:

• Age. The risk doubles every five years for people aged 65 and older.
• Family history. The risk is higher if your parent or sibling has it.
• Head injury. Head injuries may cause dementia.
• Certain medical conditions. Diabetes and heart disease are examples of conditions linked to Alzheimer’s.
• Sex. Women are generally at greater risk than men.
• Certain lifestyle behaviors. Lack of exercise, obesity and smoking contribute to dementia.
• Alcohol use. Heavy alcohol use can change the structure of the brain and destroy neurons.⁵
• Down syndrome. More than 50% of people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s.⁶

If you believe you’re at risk, your doctor can review your medical history and talk to you more about what causes Alzheimer’s.

How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed?

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis usually begins with a primary care physician (PCP). If you suspect Alzheimer’s, your PCP can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a specialist for further testing.

Diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s include⁷:

• Medical history review. This includes your psychiatric history, family history, a physical exam and medication review.
• Symptoms review. Your PCP will review and discuss your symptoms.
• Neurological exam. This test looks for signs of other brain disorders, including brain tumors and Parkinson’s.
• Cognitive assessment. This test evaluates memory, thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Depression screen. This test screens for depression and other mood disorders that can affect memory.
• Brain imaging. CT scans and MRIs can detect issues like fluid buildup and brain trauma, and may be used to rule out other conditions.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests. Alzheimer’s may cause changes in CSF, which can be detected with a spinal tap.
• Blood tests. Blood testing can determine whether levels of certain biomarkers could indicate Alzheimer’s.

Find a provider near you to schedule an evaluation.

Treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease

There is no known Alzheimer’s cure at this time. However, this disease can be effectively managed with proper medical care. The goal of treatment is to reduce your symptoms, improve your quality of life and slow disease progression.

Ongoing medical support is an important component of Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Options include^{1, 8, 9}:

• Medications. FDA-approved drugs for Alzheimer’s can help reduce symptoms and delay disease progression. Alzheimer’s medication is usually most effective during the early and middle stages.¹
• Cognitive therapies. Word puzzles and number exercises are examples of cognitive therapies that may help with memory and thinking.
• Care planning. Alzheimer’s home care training teaches your loved ones how to help you manage your condition so you can live more independently.

Your Alzheimer’s care plan can be changed as needed based on how you respond to treatment.

Find Alzheimer’s care near me

Contact your PCP if you or a loved one is showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Your PCP can review your medical history and order lab tests to diagnose or rule out various conditions.

Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist if Alzheimer’s is suspected.¹⁰ Neurologists specialize in abnormalities of the brain and nervous system, and can help coordinate your Alzheimer’s care plan.

Frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease

Related resources

• The signs of common brain disorders and illnesses
• 7 health issues women over 65 years old should not ignore
• 6 pillars of lifestyle medicine

Resources

• 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, August 15). About Alzheimer’s. https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/about/alzheimers.html.
• 2. Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.) 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs.
• 3. National Institutes of Health. (2024, January 19). What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease? https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease.
• 4. Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.) What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias? https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors.
• 5. National Institutes of Health. (2025, December). Alcohol and the Brain: An Overview. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/alcohol-and-brain-overview.
• 6. National Institutes of Health. (2020, November 30). Alzheimer’s Disease in People With Down Syndrome. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/alzheimers-disease-people-down-syndrome.
• 7. Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.) Medical Tests for Diagnosing Alzheimer’s. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests.
• 8. Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.) Navigating Treatment Options. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/navigating-treatment-options.
• 9. National Institutes of Health. (2022, March 29). Alzheimer’s disease: Learn More – Non-drug interventions for Alzheimer’s disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279355/.
• 10. National Institutes of Health. (2022, December 8). How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed? https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-symptoms-and-diagnosis/how-alzheimers-disease-diagnosed.
• 11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, August 27). Reducing Risk for Dementia. https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/prevention/index.html.
• 12. National Institutes of Health. (2023, March 1). Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Fact Sheet. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet.