From the National Institute on Aging

Understanding 

Alzheimer’s Disease

What you need to know
For copies of this booklet, contact:

Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center

Phone: 1-800-438-4380

Email: adear@nia.nih.gov

Website: www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
Table of Contents

Introduction 1

What is Alzheimer’s disease? 3

What are the signs of Alzheimer’s disease? 4

When should you see your doctor? 7

What are other causes of memory problems? 9

Are there treatments for Alzheimer’s disease? 11

What about research on Alzheimer’s disease? 13

Is there help for caregivers? 15

Summary—What you need to know 16

Where can you get more information? 17

Words to know 19
Many older adults and their families are faced with Alzheimer’s disease. 

It’s important to know the signs of the disease and where to get help.
1

Introduction

Many older people forget someone’s name or misplace things 

from time to time. This kind of forgetfulness is normal. But, 

forgetting how to get home, getting confused in places a person 

knows well, or asking questions over and over can be signs of 

a more serious problem. The person may have Alzheimer’s 

disease (pronounced Allz-high-merz duh-zeez). It is a disease 

of the brain that begins slowly and gets worse over time. 

This booklet will help you learn 

about Alzheimer’s disease:

	 •	 what it is

	 •	 signs of the disease

	 •	 when it is important to see your doctor

	 •	 treatment

	 •	 research studies

	 •	 how to get help caring for a person with the disease

Tips about using this booklet

Use the Table of Contents to help you find things quickly. 

Also, we put some medical terms in bold, such as Alzheimer’s 

disease. You can find how to say these words and what they 

mean in the “Words to know” section on page 19.
2

Helen’s story

I have Alzheimer’s disease. It took me a long time before I 

could even say the words. When the doctor first told me, 

I felt like my life was over. For a while, I was depressed. 

My doctor told me about medicine I could take. She said it 

would slow down my memory loss for a while. I know it’s 

not a cure. Still, it feels good to do something.

My family has been wonderful. They’re helping me plan 

for the care I’ll need. I have decided to take each day as it 

comes. I want to live my life as fully as I can.
3

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large 

numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects a 

person’s ability to remember things, think clearly, and use 

good judgment. 

Doctors don’t know what causes the disease. They do know 

that most of the time it begins after age 60. 

What happens when a person has 

Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease often starts slowly. In fact, some people 

don’t know they have it. They blame their forgetfulness on 

old age. However, over time, their memory problems get 

more serious. 

People with Alzheimer’s disease have trouble doing everyday 

things like driving a car, cooking a meal, or paying bills. They 

may get lost easily and find even simple things confusing. 

Some people become worried, angry, or violent. 

As the illness gets worse, most people with Alzheimer’s disease 

need someone to take care of all their needs, including feeding 

and bathing. Some people with Alzheimer’s live at home with a 

caregiver. Other people with the disease live in a nursing home.
4

What are the signs of 

Alzheimer’s disease?

It’s important to know the signs of Alzheimer’s disease. If 

you know the signs, you can get help right away. Some signs 

of the disease are listed here:

Early signs 

•	 finding it hard to remember things

•	 asking the same questions over and ov

•	 having trouble paying bills or solving simple math problems

•	 getting lost

•	 losing things or putting them in odd places

Later signs

•	 forgetting how to brush your teeth or comb your hair

•	 being confused about time, people, and places

•	 forgetting the names of common things such as a desk,

house, or apple

•	 wandering away from home
5

Differences between Alzheimer’s disease and 

normal aging 

Use the chart below to help you understand the differences 

between Alzheimer’s disease and the normal signs of aging.

Alzheimer’s disease Normal aging

Making poor judgments and 

decisions a lot of the time

Making a bad decision 

once in a while

Problems taking care of monthly bills Missing a monthly payment

Losing track of the date 

or time of year

Forgetting which day it is and 

remembering it later

Trouble having a conversation Sometimes forgetting which 

word to use

Misplacing things often and being 

unable to find them

Losing things from time to time

Mild cognitive impairment

Some older people have a condition called mild cognitive 

impairment, or MCI. It can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. 

But, not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s disease. 

People with MCI can still take care of themselves and do their 

normal activities. MCI memory problems may include:

•	 losing things often

•	 forgetting to go to events or appointments

•	 having more trouble coming up with words than other 

people of the same age. 

If you have MCI, it’s important to see your doctor or 

specialist every 6 to 12 months. Ask him or her to check for 

changes in your memory and thinking.
6

Rita’s story

A few months ago, my mother started having trouble 

remembering things. Sometimes, she couldn’t find the 

right words. Then, she got lost on her way home from 

the store. I knew something was wrong. I talked with my 

mom, and we decided to see her doctor. 

The doctor asked about the changes we had seen and did 

a medical exam. He also changed one of Mom’s medicines 

to see if that would make a difference. And, he suggested 

that she see a specialist who could test her memory and 

thinking skills. He said it was good that she came in now 

instead of waiting so we could start figuring out what the 

problem might be.
7

When should you see

your doctor?

If you or someone in your family thinks your forgetfulness 

is getting in the way of your normal routine, it’s time to see 

your doctor. Seeing the doctor when you first start having 

memory problems can help you find out what’s causing 

your forgetfulness. If you have Alzheimer’s, finding the 

disease early gives you and your family more time to plan for 

your treatment and care. 

Your doctor or a specialist may do the following things to find 

out if you have Alzheimer’s disease:

•	 give you a medical check-up

•	 ask questions about your family’s health

•	 ask how well you can do everyday things like driving, 

shopping for food, and paying bills

•	 talk with someone in your family about your memory 

problems

•	 test your memory, problem-solving, counting, and 

language skills

•	 check your blood and urine, and do other medical tests

•	 do brain scans that show pictures of your brain
8

Linda’s story

My neighbor Rose was always very active. She liked 

gardening and helping out at the local grade school. She 

and her husband Bob enjoyed dancing and spending time 

with their grandkids. After Bob passed away 2 years ago, 

something changed. Rose began spending a lot of time 

alone at home. She seemed more and more confused. 

I was worried that Rose had Alzheimer’s disease and 

convinced her to see a doctor. It turns out that she doesn’t 

have Alzheimer’s. Depression and not eating well were 

causing her problems. After seeing a counselor, taking 

medicine, and eating better, she seems less confused and 

more like herself. 
9

What are other causes of 

memory problems?

Some medical conditions cause confusion and forgetfulness. 

The signs may look like Alzheimer’s disease, but they are 

caused by other problems. Here are medical conditions that 

can cause serious memory problems:

•	 bad reaction to certain medicines

•	 emotional problems such as depression

•	 not eating enough healthy foods

•	 too few vitamins and minerals in your body

•	 drinking too much alcohol

•	 blood clots or tumors in the brain

•	 head injury, such as a concussion from a fall or accident

•	 kidney, liver, or thyroid problems

These medical conditions are serious and need to be treated. 

Once you get treatment, your confusion and forgetfulness 

should go away.
10

Rick’s story

My wife Jenny was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a 

few years ago. She’s been taking medicine for her memory 

problems. It’s helped some, but now she seems to be 

getting worse. 

We talked with the doctor. He’s going to change her 

medicine and see if that helps. We both know there is no 

cure, but we do want more time together. 
11

Are there treatments for 

Alzheimer’s disease?

There are medicines that can treat the symptoms of 

Alzheimer’s disease. But, there is no cure. Most of these 

medicines work best for people in the early or middle stages 

of the disease. For example, they can keep your memory loss 

from getting worse for a time. Other medicines may help if 

you have trouble sleeping, or are worried and depressed. All 

these medicines may have side effects and may not work 

for everyone.

Some medicines can help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
12

Ed’s story

My nephew told me about an Alzheimer’s disease study at 

a nearby research center. I don’t have memory problems 

now, but the disease runs in my family, so I worry about 

it. I called to find out about the study. The nurse asked me 

some questions about myself and my family health history 

to see if I could join. Later, my wife and I set up a time to go 

to the research center. 

Taking part in the study has been interesting. Research like 

this could help in finding new treatments or even someday 

preventing Alzheimer’s. Being part of a study is important 

to help my family and others in the future.
13

To find out more about clinical trials 

and studies:

•	 Call the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral

(ADEAR) Center at 1-800-438-4380. It’s a free call.

•	 Visit the ADEAR Center website at

www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/volunteer.

•	 Check out www.ClinicalTrials.gov.

•	 See “NIH Clinical Research Trials and You” at

www.nih.gov/health/clinicaltrials.

What about research on 

Alzheimer’s disease?

Researchers are doing studies with people who have different 

kinds of memory problems to find new and better ways to 

treat the disease. They also are looking at how to prevent 

Alzheimer’s, slow the disease, and reduce its symptoms.

People with Alzheimer’s disease, MCI, or a family history of 

Alzheimer’s may be able to take part in clinical trials, a type 

of research study. Healthy people with no memory problems 

and no family history of Alzheimer’s also may be able to take 

part in clinical trials.

Joining a clinical trial or other research study is a way to help 

fight Alzheimer’s disease. 
14

John’s story

My neighbor’s mom has Alzheimer’s disease. I never 

thought it would happen to someone in my family. I was 

upset and worried when I found out my father had the 

disease. I had so many questions. What is Alzheimer’s 

disease? Can it be treated? How is the disease going to 

affect my father? Will I be able to care for him? Where can 

I go for help? In time, I found information on the Internet 

and by calling Alzheimer’s groups.
15

Is there help for caregivers?

Yes, there is help for caregivers. You don’t have to do 

everything yourself. See the list below for ways to get help.

•	 Find a support group.

•	 Use adult day care services.

•	 Get help from a local home health care agency.

•	 Contact local and national groups for information about

Alzheimer’s disease.

Be sure to check out pages 17 and 18 for groups and services 

that can help you.

Coping as a caregiver 

If you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, you 

may have many different feelings. Sometimes, taking care of 

the person with Alzheimer’s makes you feel good because 

you are providing love and comfort. At other times, it can be 

overwhelming. You may see changes in the person that are 

hard to understand and cope with. 

Each day brings new challenges. You may find yourself 

dealing with problem behaviors or just trying to get through 

the day. You may not even realize how much you have taken 

on, because the changes can happen slowly over time.
16

Take care of yourself

Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things 

you can do as a caregiver. You could:

•	 ask friends and family to help out

•	 do things you enjoy and spend time with friends

•	 take short breaks

•	 eat healthy foods and get exercise

Taking these actions can bring you some relief. It also may 

help keep you from getting ill or depressed.

Summary—What you need to know

•	 Know the signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

•	 See a doctor right away if you are worried about your

memory problems.

•	 Take medicines to help treat the symptoms of

Alzheimer’s disease. Right now, there is no cure.

•	 Think about joining a clinical trial if you are healthy

or if you have Alzheimer’s disease.

•	 Get help if you are caring for someone with

Alzheimer’s.

See your doctor if you are worried about your memory 

or think you might have Alzheimer’s disease. It’s 

important to find out what is causing your memory 

problems.
17

Where can you get 

more information?

Contact the following groups to learn more about Alzheimer’s 

disease. They can help you find information, support groups, 

and services. They also can give you information about clinical 

trials and other research studies.

Alzheimer’s Disease Education and 

Referral (ADEAR) Center

Phone: 1-800-438-4380

Email: adear@nia.nih.gov

Website: www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers 

This Center provides information on:

•	 diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease

•	 treating Alzheimer’s symptoms

•	 caring for the person with the disease

•	 meeting the needs of caregivers

•	 finding long-term care for the person with Alzheimer’s

•	 taking part in Alzheimer’s disease research

ADEAR Center staff can refer you to local and national 

resources. The Center is a service of the National Institute on

Aging, part of the Federal Government’s National Institutes

of Health. 
18

Alzheimer’s Association

Phone: 1-800-272-3900 

Email: info@alz.org

Website: www.alz.org

The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit group offering 

information and support services to people with Alzheimer’s 

disease and their caregivers and families. The Alzheimer’s 

Association also sponsors research. Call or visit their website 

to find out where to get help in your area.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

Phone: 1-866-232-8484

Email: info@alzfdn.org

Website: www.alzfdn.org

This nonprofit group serves people with Alzheimer’s disease 

and their caregivers and families. Services include a toll-free 

hotline, publications, and online resources.

Eldercare Locator 

Phone: 1-800-677-1116 

Website: www.eldercare.gov

The Eldercare Locator helps families find resources in their 

community, such as home care, adult day care, and nursing 

homes. Contact them to learn about services in your area. 

The Eldercare Locator is a service of the Administration on 

Aging. It is funded by the Federal Government.
19

Words to know

Alzheimer’s disease

(pronounced Allz-high-merz duh-zeez)

A disease that causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain 

to die. These changes make it hard for a person to remember 

things, have clear thinking, and make good judgments. The 

symptoms begin slowly and get worse over time.

Clinical trial

(pronounced klin-uh-kuhl try-uhl)

A research study to find out if new treatments are safe and 

effective. Healthy people and people with Alzheimer’s 

disease can choose to take part in a clinical trial.

Depression

(pronounced dee-presh-uhn)

A serious medical illness that can be treated. Some signs of 

depression are:

•	 feeling sad for more than a few weeks at a time

•	 having trouble sleeping

•	 losing interest in things you like to do

Depression can cause people to be confused and forgetful. 

Mild cognitive impairment

(pronounced mild kog-ni-tiv im-pair-ment)

Also called MCI. It is a medical condition that causes people to 

have more memory problems than other people their age. The 

signs of MCI are not as severe as those of Alzheimer’s disease. 
NIH Publication No. 15-5441

October 2015

National Institute 

on Aging