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Every year on September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day raises awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and the challenges it can create for individuals, families and caregivers.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and behavior, eventually making everyday activities more difficult. Although it becomes more common with age, it is not considered a normal part of ageing.
There is no single cause behind most cases of Alzheimer’s. The condition is thought to result from a combination of changes in the brain, genetic factors, age and other health and lifestyle factors.
Age remains the strongest known risk factor. A family history can also increase risk, while conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease have been associated with a higher risk of dementia.
Some factors can be addressed through everyday health choices. Regular physical activity, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure and staying socially and mentally active may help support brain health.
Not every memory lapse is a sign of Alzheimer’s. Forgetting an occasional name or misplacing your keys can happen at any age.
More concerning changes tend to be persistent or increasingly interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease symptoms can include repeatedly forgetting recent conversations, asking the same questions, struggling with familiar tasks, getting confused about time or place, having difficulty finding words, or experiencing noticeable changes in judgment or personality.
The important thing is to look for a pattern of change, rather than focusing on one isolated incident.
There is no single test that can determine whether someone has Alzheimer’s. A healthcare professional will usually begin by discussing symptoms, medical history and changes noticed by the person or their family.
The evaluation may include memory and thinking assessments, a physical examination, blood tests and, when appropriate, brain imaging. In some cases, healthcare professionals may also use tests that identify biological markers associated with Alzheimer’s.
This assessment is important because memory and thinking changes can have other causes, some of which may be treatable.
If changes in memory, thinking or behaviour are becoming more frequent or starting to affect everyday life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
Early evaluation can help identify what may be causing the changes and provide a clearer understanding of what support or treatment options may be available.
This World Alzheimer’s Day, take a moment to learn the signs, understand the risk factors and pay attention to changes that shouldn’t be ignored.