50+ Lifestyles

Alzheimer’s Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care Options

By Milestones Agency on Aging

It may be easy to brush off misplacing your dog’s leash before a walk or forgetting the rules of a card game. But when forgetfulness regularly makes daily tasks difficult, it could be a sign of more serious memory loss triggered by Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a condition that affects memory, behavior, and thinking. Over time, the brain shrinks from a buildup of plaque and tangles of proteins from dead nerve cells, making it difficult to function. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6.9 million Americans
had Alzheimer’s in 2024, and that number could rise to 13.8 million by 2060.

What are the signs of Alzheimer’s disease? Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias can include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Forgetting new information, needing constant reminders, or repeating questions during a conversation.
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Forgetting how to record a favorite TV show or getting lost on the way to the grocery store.
• Trouble understanding visual images: Difficulty reading or losing balance due to vision changes.
• Misplacing things: Forgetting where you put items, making them harder to find.
• Withdrawal from activities: Avoiding social events due to difficulty holding conversations.

What is my risk for Alzheimer’s? Age is the leading risk factor. After age 65, the risk increases, with one in 13 people aged 65 to 84 developing the disease. Other risk factors include lifestyle, family history, genetics, and race or ethnicity. People of Latino and Black descent may have higher rates of Alzheimer’s due to related health conditions.

How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed? Diagnosis includes a review of medical history, physical and neurological exams, cognitive and functional tests, depression screenings, brain imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid tests.

Can Alzheimer’s be treated? FDA-approved medications can slow progression or manage symptoms. Common treatments include cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Aricept) and glutamate regulators (e.g., Namenda). New treatments, such as Aduhelm and Leqembi, may help break up brain plaques.

Will Medicare cover Alzheimer’s treatments? Medicare covers certain Alzheimer’s drugs, including Aduhelm and Leqembi, under specific conditions. Starting in 2025, out-of-pocket prescription costs will be capped at $2,000.

How do I care for someone with Alzheimer’s? Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can take an emotional and physical toll. Memory care, skilled nursing facilities, and
in-home care services offer support for those who need assistance with daily tasks.

If you or someone you love is affected by Alzheimer’s, visit MilestonesAAA.org or call 855-410-6222 for information on caregiving and other resources.