Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s Disease

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of major neurocognitive disorder (dementia), primarily affecting memory and thinking.

Overview

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition and the most common cause of major and mild neurocognitive disorder, characterized by gradual decline in memory and other cognitive domains.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include gradually worsening memory loss, difficulty with familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, and changes in mood or personality as the disease progresses. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

Alzheimer’s disease is associated with the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain; genetic, age-related, and lifestyle factors influence risk.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive stimulation, structured routines, and caregiver support programs may help support functioning and quality of life.

Medication

Certain medications are FDA-approved to modestly slow symptom progression or address specific underlying disease processes in appropriate candidates. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.

Living With Alzheimer’s Disease

Safety planning, caregiver education, and early legal and financial planning are important as the disease progresses.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Alzheimer’s disease is progressive; the rate of decline varies, and care needs typically increase over time.

Related Conditions

Vascular Dementia

A form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following strokes or chronic vascular disease.

Mixed Dementia

A form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder involving the co-occurrence of more than one underlying cause, most commonly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular changes.

Major Neurocognitive Disorder

A condition (formerly called dementia) involving significant decline in one or more cognitive domains that interferes with independence in everyday activities.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institutes of Health.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.