The Impact of Alzheimer's Disease on Memory and Cognitive Function

01/07/2026

Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder that is characterized by dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a decline in memory, thinking, and daily functioning, while Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Anyone can develop Alzheimer’s disease, but some people face a higher risk than others. There is no single course the condition follows—while some individuals live for many years with mild cognitive changes, others may experience a faster onset of symptoms and a more rapid progression. Let’s take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Also, learn its causes, warning signs, and the ways it can be managed to support quality of life.

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What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurological condition that is not just a normal sign of aging. In this degenerative condition, one suffers from a gradual and progressive decline in memory and mental abilities. Alzheimer's can also affect younger people, even though the majority of patients are 65 years of age or older.

It happens due to certain biological changes in the brain tissue and loss of nerve cell connections. Such changes impair the nervous system's ability to maintain brain and body organ synchronization and carry out normal bodily functions.

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What are the Causes of Alzheimer's Disease?

The abnormal accumulation of proteins (specifically amyloid and tau) in the brain tissue is the root cause of Alzheimer's disease. A buildup of the proteins amyloid and tau in the brain causes the gradual degeneration of neurons. 

There are billions of neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain, which play a major role in learning, remembering, and planning. In the brain, amyloid protein aggregates into plaques when it binds to brain cells. Tau proteins form tangles, which are essentially twisted strands that resemble fibers. Neurons are unable to function normally due to the presence of plaques and tangles. They obstruct the two-way transmission of electrical and chemical impulses through the neurons. Eventually, this will lead to Alzheimer's symptoms since it produces lasting damage. The symptoms keep worsening as the damage progresses.

Read Also: Dementia Treatment In Jaipur, India

What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?

The effects of Alzheimer's disease vary from person to person. However, patients commonly experience the following symptoms of Alzheimer's disease:

• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Difficulty in speaking, reading, or understanding language
• Changes in mood, behavior, and personality
• Agitation
• Constant suspicion
• Hallucination
• Aggression

Memory loss and other Alzheimer's symptoms can make it challenging for a person to notice whether their own mental and physical health is deteriorating. Those staying closest to the patient may observe these symptoms.

As time passes by, the symptoms will deteriorate (in a noticeable way). Immediate medical attention is required if you or a loved one exhibits any signs that indicate dementia.

What are the Stages of Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease progresses through the following four stages:

Stages of Alzheimer’s disease	What happens at this stage?	Common symptoms
Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease	Very early stage where brain changes begin, but symptoms are subtle and often mistaken for normal aging. Others usually do not notice changes.	• Mild changes in thinking or focus • Everyday tasks feel slightly harder • Need to adjust routines to cope • No obvious behavioral changes
Mild Alzheimer’s Disease (Early Stage)	Symptoms become noticeable and may begin to affect daily life, though independence is largely maintained.	• Short-term memory loss (recent events, names, places) • Difficulty finding words • Trouble planning or organizing • Misplacing items frequently • Slower problem-solving and decision-making • Increased anxiety, agitation, or sleep changes
Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease (Middle Stage)	Symptoms worsen, and daily assistance becomes necessary. This stage often lasts the longest.	• Confusion about time and place • Significant memory loss (short- and long-term) • Difficulty recognizing people • Language and communication problems • Personality and behavioral changes (aggression, paranoia, hallucinations) • Wandering and safety concerns • Needing help with personal care
Severe Alzheimer’s Disease (Late Stage)	The final stage is marked by profound cognitive decline and physical dependence. Constant care is required.	• Near-total memory loss • Loss of speech or ability to communicate • Difficulty swallowing and frequent infections • Loss of awareness of surroundings • Complete dependence on daily activities, such as eating and mobility

What are the Treatment Options for Alzheimer's Disease in Jaipur?

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, certain treatments can help slow its progression and preserve cognitive abilities such as memory, thinking, and daily functioning for as long as possible, improving the quality of life. The following medications help delay the disease’s progress and provide long-term management of the symptoms:

• Antidepressants: These medications help in managing anxiety, mood swings, restlessness, and depression.
• Antipsychotics: These medications help in treating the tendency to suspicion, hallucinations, and agitation.
• Antiseizure medications: These medications can help in treating mood changes.

Why Choose the Eternal Hospital for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment in Jaipur?

Eternal Hospital is one of India’s leading multi-specialty healthcare institutions, known for delivering comprehensive and patient-centric medical care across a wide range of specialties. The Department of Neurology at Eternal Hospital stands out for its dedicated focus on complex brain and nervous system disorders, with particular expertise in the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The department is supported by experienced neurologists and multidisciplinary care teams who specialise in evaluating memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion

Learning that you or your loved one is suffering from progressive Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be distressing. It might feel as if time has stopped or is advancing too fast all at once. There is no correct or incorrect approach to coping with Alzheimer's disease.

Whether you have Alzheimer's disease or are caring for a loved one who does, your doctor will help you slow down the disease's progression and manage the symptoms. 

Get personalized care at Eternal Hospital from the top neurologists in Jaipur with advanced treatment options.

FAQs

Q1: Is it possible to prevent Alzheimer's disease?
A: Unfortunately, there is no proven way to prevent Alzheimer's disease. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, can help lower your chance of getting Alzheimer's disease.

Q2: How many years is the average lifespan of an Alzheimer's patient?
A: The effects of Alzheimer's disease vary from person to person. Within four to eight years of diagnosis, the majority of older adults with Alzheimer's pass away. On the other hand, if detected before 65 years of age, some people can survive for decades.

Q3: Can Alzheimer's disease be treated successfully?
A: To delay the onset of dementia, the doctor may recommend certain medications. Although Alzheimer's is still not completely curable, some treatments can help alleviate symptoms and slow down the disease's course.