A major symptom is that they forget things they have just said or done, although their memory for past events may, for a time, remain clear. As the disease progresses, people become unaware of their condition although they may still experience distress. They find it increasingly difficult and then impossible to perform even the simplest everyday tasks , including washing , eating , and dressing . They may become uncommunicative and incontinent , sometimes with severe behavioural problems. Most eventually need 24-hour care either at home or in a nursing home .
Death usually occurs from an infection or stroke.
Memory loss in Alzheimer's disease is not like normal forgetfulness. Many people especially as they get older, find that their memory is not as good as it used to be. A person who is ordinarily forgetful can still remember details associated with the thing they have forgotten. For example, they may briefly forget their next door neighbour's name but they still know that the person they are talking to is their neighbour. People with Alzheimer's disease forget not only details but also the entire context.