I noticed years ago that my seemingly healthy but elderly neighbor started forgetting things, including the names of her own family members. I did not understand what was happening at the time and neither did my 7-year-old friend. It was very distressing for her to see her grandmother slowly slip away. It wasn’t until many years later that I came across a YouTube video by a researcher explaining dementia. That’s when I realized that the disease my neighbor was suffering from was most likely Alzheimer’s disease. As medicine has advanced over the past few decades, people are living longer, making it increasingly important to maintain healthy brain function and quality of life into old age.
So, what is Alzheimer’s disease and what is happening in the brain? Is there something we can do now for a better future?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior over time. It is a progressive brain disorder, which means it slowly gets worse and eventually interferes with everyday activities (1).
Although it is most often seen in older adults, Alzheimer’s is not just a normal part of aging. It develops due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that scientists are still working to fully understand (2).
Alzheimer’s disease is linked to the buildup of two abnormal proteins in the brain: amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles. These proteins disrupt how brain cells communicate with each other and eventually lead to cell death (3). These proteins actually come from normal proteins found in brain cells. In Alzheimer’s disease, however, they are processed abnormally, causing them to build up. As more neurons (a type of brain cells) are damaged, areas of the brain involved in memory begin to shrink. This gradual loss of brain function is what leads to the symptoms seen in persons with Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms only become noticeable once enough brain cells are damaged to affect memory and thinking. This is why Alzheimer’s is often diagnosed later in life, even though the disease process started much earlier.
Even though Alzheimer’s is often thought of as a disease of aging, things like high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise are linked to higher risk (4).
Healthy habits like staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and eating a balanced diet support both heart and brain health. Social connection—being engaged with friends, family, and community can support overall brain health and may help reduce long-term risk.
Scientists still don’t fully understand what triggers the disease or how to stop it completely (5). Most treatments focus on managing symptoms rather than curing the disease.
Understanding this isn’t about fear. It is about awareness. Alzheimer’s might seem like something that only affects older adults. But the choices we make today can quietly shape our brain health for decades to come.
References
- Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). 2023 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 19(4), 1598–1695.
- National Institute on Aging. (2024). Alzheimer’s - causes and risk factors. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors
- Silva, M. V. F., et al. (2019). Alzheimer’s disease: Risk factors and potentially protective measures. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11, 33.
- Livingston, G., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413–446.
- Tenchov R, et al. Alzheimer’s Disease: Exploring the Landscape of Cognitive Decline. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2024;15(21):3800-3827.