Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What You Need to Know


Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia: What You Need to Know

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life. It accounts for 60–80% of all dementia cases. While memory changes can be a normal part of aging, Alzheimer’s is not. It’s a progressive brain disease that gradually destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

Age is the greatest known risk factor, with most cases occurring in people 65 and older. However, Alzheimer’s can also affect younger individuals. When diagnosed before age 65, it’s called younger- or early-onset Alzheimer’s, and it can appear in any stage — early, middle, or late.

Alzheimer’s disease progresses in a continuum, starting with no symptoms, then mild cognitive impairment (MCI), followed by mild, moderate, and severe dementia. In the early stages, people may have trouble remembering new information. As the disease advances, symptoms worsen to include confusion, mood and behavior changes, difficulty speaking or walking, and eventually, loss of independence. While the average life expectancy after diagnosis is four to eight years, some individuals live up to 20 years, depending on other health factors.

Currently, there is no cure, but treatment options are improving. Two FDA-approved drugs, donanemab (Kisunla™) and lecanemab (Leqembi®), target beta-amyloid, a key protein in Alzheimer’s, and have shown promise in slowing cognitive and functional decline in the early stages of the disease. Additional treatments can help manage symptoms and support quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.

Recognizing the warning signs — such as memory loss that disrupts daily life, confusion with time or place, and difficulty completing familiar tasks — is critical. Early diagnosis opens the door to resources, treatments, and support systems that can make a significant difference.

Need support? The Alzheimer’s Association offers powerful tools and resources to help, including ALZConnected, an online community, and ALZNavigator™, which helps create a personalized action plan based on your unique situation.

Knowledge is power — and early action can change lives. Learn more at alz.org.

Lionell Martin, Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, Phone: 773.593.4211
Email: lrmartin@alz.org

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

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