What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder and the most common cause of dementia. It gradually destroys memory, thinking and reasoning skills and eventually the ability to perform even simple tasks.

Its characteristic pathology includes the build-up of amyloid-beta plaques and tau protein tangles in brain tissue, which cause brain cells (neurons) to die and brain volume to shrink.

Symptoms typically start with difficulty remembering recent events, repeating questions, trouble planning or problem-solving, misplacing items, and confusion about time or place. As it advances, individuals may experience mood or personality changes, disorientation, difficulties speaking, swallowing or walking, and high care needs.

Risk factors include increasing age (most common in people over 65), family history/genetics (for example APOE ε4 gene), cardiovascular health issues (hypertension, diabetes, obesity), head injury, and lifestyle factors.

There is no cure. Treatments focus on symptom management, slowing progression and supporting quality of life. Ongoing research targets early detection, biomarkers, and disease-modifying therapies.