Alzheimer’s disease is a confusing, often overwhelming condition. Over 7 million adults are living with the disease, and about 1 in 9 adults over 65 has it. You may be wondering, how can older adults protect their brain health? Is there any way to prevent Alzheimer’s? 

Bold spoke to Dr. Amanda Smith, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist and the Director of Clinical Research at the University of South Florida (USF) Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute. Dr. Smith helped answer your top nine questions about Alzheimer’s disease—keep reading to learn more. 

1. What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain health condition. It happens when the nerve cells in your brain get damaged. We still don’t know the exact causes, but people with Alzheimer’s usually have buildup in the brain of:

• Plaques. These are deposits of a protein called beta-amyloid that build up between your nerve cells. This is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Tangles. These are when other proteins called tau get twisted up inside your brain cells. 

Most people get plaques and tangles as they get older. But, research shows that people with Alzheimer’s disease have many more than people without it. 

2. What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

The biggest symptom is memory loss. Mild memory loss is a normal part of aging. But people with Alzheimer’s disease have serious memory loss that gets worse over time. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Losing items, or putting things in unusual places that don’t make sense
• Asking the same questions over and over, or constantly repeating the same phrases 
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Forgetting the names of everyday objects
• Forgetting the names of family members or loved ones
• Having trouble concentrating
• Struggling to do two things at the same time
• Finding it hard to make appropriate decisions (like what clothes to wear in hot or cold weather)
• Forgetting how to do basic tasks, like making a meal
• Having mood swings
• Withdrawing from social situations

3. How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed and treated?

Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed by a doctor. They might use information from: 

• Your medical history
• A physical exam
• Blood and imaging tests
• A cognitive health assessment

“There are new blood tests and imaging tests where we can really diagnose Alzheimer's definitively,” Dr. Smith says.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatment options. You can take medication to treat some of the symptoms. You can also make lifestyle changes to support your overall health and make day-to-day life easier (learn more about that below). 

4. What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Some people think that Alzheimer’s is just a late stage of dementia, but that’s not true. Dementia is a general term for changes in memory and function. Alzheimer’s disease is by far the most common cause of dementia, but you can also have dementia from other things. Dementia can be caused by strokes, Parkinson’s disease, or brain disorders.

5. What memory problems should older adults watch out for?

You should talk to your health care team if you’re noticing any of the following:

• Forgetting or mixing up appointments regularly
• Missing bills to the point of utilities being shut off
• Constantly misplacing the same items
• Struggling often with words or names you should know
• Forgetting that an event happened at all

6. Why is early diagnosis important for Alzheimer’s?

“Early diagnosis is important because we now have treatments that can target and remove plaque from the brain,” Dr. Smith says. This can affect how bad the disease gets. 

“Lifestyle changes can also dramatically influence the trajectory of Alzheimer's disease. Early diagnosis also gives people and their families the tools they need as the disease progresses, and time to prepare and get support in place.”

7. What resources are most helpful for people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers?

If you’re living with Alzheimer’s, you’re not alone. Your care team is there to support you and help you find resources. Some of the things you might find helpful include:

• Educational resources. “I provide information and options, and I help patients choose what they want,” Dr. Smith says. “Having educational tools helps patients and families navigate decisions.”
• Sleep and nutrition support. Sleep and nutrition can play a role in how you’re feeling. Resources about how to get good sleep and support your body with nutrition may be useful. 
• Caregiver networks. Dr. Smith highly recommends support groups for caregivers. “In-person groups, online groups, or podcasts are important,” she says.

8. Why are support groups valuable for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s?

Dr. Smith says that other caregivers provide much-needed wisdom and support. “To hear things from the people who experience them can have a huge impact,” she says. “A single piece of advice from another caregiver can change someone’s life, whether it’s a tip that helps calm down a loved one or reduce a behavior issue.”

It can be intimidating to join a group, and that’s OK. “Many people hesitate to join support groups,” Dr. Smith says. “They may feel too busy, too private, or too overwhelmed to hear others’ stories. But there’s a variety out there. Online support, chat groups, or specialized groups for younger caregivers all exist now.”

9. What are the best ways to prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia?

We don’t know exactly what causes Alzheimer’s or dementia, but we do know about some risk factors. Here’s how to protect your brain health:

• Stay physically active. Exercise increases blood flow and helps bring oxygen to the brain. Regular movement can lower your risk of dementia. 
• Try mental challenges like reading, Sudoku, or crosswords. Dr. Smith also recommends learning new things like playing a new instrument or learning a language. 
• Prioritize sleep. “It’s important to get good, restful sleep,” Dr. Smith says. “A lot of times, as we get older, sleep is less restful. We have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. We fall asleep later. We get up earlier. It's hard, but if you can get good quality sleep by reducing noise and interruptions, it’s so helpful for brain health.”
• Eat well. Prioritize lean protein, eat lots of colorful fruits and vegetables, and stay hydrated.
• Stay socially active. If you are lonely or isolated, you’ll be less active. This can worsen your brain health. Try to stay engaged with loved ones or your local community. 
• Try to reduce stress. Long term, high stress levels are bad for your brain health. Try to work through stress through meditation, mindfulness, or mental health support.
• Cut down on alcohol and quit smoking. Drinking alcohol, just in moderation, is another one. If you smoke, quitting can also be very important, because smoking reduces blood flow and constricts blood vessels.

The bottom line

Dr. Smith wants you to know: you have more control than you realize. You can’t always prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but you can:

• Check in with your doctor any time you notice memory changes
• Change your habits to prioritize brain health
• Stay mentally and physically active

We’re here to help you keep moving. Bold’s online library has thousands of seated and standing classes for you to explore—all designed by clinical experts for older adults. 

Check if you’re eligible for Bold at no cost through your health plan, and start your first class today.