diagnosis
What does it mean to have early-stage Alzheimer's, and how might it affect daily life?
Alzheimer's disease is a brain illness that affects memory and thinking. It is the most common type of dementia in older adults.
Alzheimer's disease is a brain illness that slowly affects memory and thinking. It is the most common form of dementia. Dementia is a brain disorder that affects thinking and memory skills.
Alzheimer's disease begins slowly and develops over many years. It first involves the parts of the brain that control thought. These parts also handle memory and language. This is different from normal memory changes that come with aging.
Early in the disease, a person may have trouble remembering recent events. They may also forget names of people they know. They may get lost in familiar places or repeat the same question. They may have trouble speaking, reading, or writing. They may also forget to bathe or eat well. They may have trouble using a phone or finding their way home. These changes can make everyday tasks harder.
Over time, the symptoms tend to get worse. This can be hard on family members too. Your care team can help explain what these changes mean for daily life. They can also talk about support that may help.
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
More about Alzheimer's disease & MCI
- What is MCI (mild cognitive impairment), and does it always lead to Alzheimer's disease?
- What tests or scans do doctors use to diagnose Alzheimer's disease?
- How can someone with Alzheimer's communicate their wishes before memory loss gets worse?
- How is Alzheimer's disease different from the normal memory changes that come with aging?
- What can someone with MCI or early Alzheimer's do to stay safe at home?
- What do families need to know about driving when someone has Alzheimer's disease?