What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Understanding the Most Common Form of Dementia

September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day, a time to raise awareness and encourage understanding of a condition that affects 55 million people worldwide, including hundreds of thousands of Australians and their families. Part of World Alzheimer’s Day involves raising awareness and challenging the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. At Home Care Assistance, we understand the challenges of caring for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s Disease, and we’re dedicated to supporting families with knowledge, compassion, and high-quality home care from a specialised provider.

Raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding dementia begins with understanding Alzheimer’s Disease. In this blog, we’ll look at what Alzheimer’s Disease is, how it progresses, the symptoms to watch for, and how home care can help maintain quality of life for those affected.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory, thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to perform even the simplest tasks. It is the most common type of dementia, making up to 80% of all dementia cases.

On average, most people with Alzheimer’s live 4-8 years after being diagnosed, although people can live as long as 20 years. Each person’s journey is individual, depending on a range of factors.

Is Alzheimer’s Disease a Normal Part of Ageing?

While age is the most significant known risk factor, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of ageing. The disease is characterised by abnormal buildups of proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in the brain that disrupt communication between nerve cells and eventually cause them to die. Over time, this leads to brain shrinkage and a decline in function.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Recognising the early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease can significantly help in managing it effectively and obtaining the appropriate support early. Here are some common symptoms:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life (e.g., forgetting recent conversations or appointments)
• Difficulty performing familiar tasks, such as cooking or managing finances
• Confusion about time or place, including getting lost in familiar surroundings
• Struggling with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps
• Changes in mood or personality, such as increased anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from social activities

If you notice these symptoms in a loved one, it’s important to encourage a visit to a GP for assessment and possible referral to a specialist.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s typically progresses over several years, though the timeline and symptoms can vary significantly between individuals. Understanding the stages can help families prepare and respond with appropriate care.

1. Early Stage (Mild)

• Minor memory lapses and forgetfulness
• Losing track of time or struggling with familiar words
• Still largely independent, but may need reminders

2. Middle Stage (Moderate)

• Greater memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty with personal care and daily tasks
• Changes in behaviour, mood swings, or wandering

3. Late Stage (Severe)

• Loss of ability to communicate clearly
• Significant decline in physical abilities, including walking and swallowing
• Need for round-the-clock support

At any stage, having consistent routines, emotional support, and the right care makes a meaningful difference to quality of life.

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

While the precise cause of Alzheimer’s remains unclear, it is thought that a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors play a part. Risk factors include:

• Age – most people with Alzheimer’s are over 65
• Family history and genetics
• Poor cardiovascular health – high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes
• Lifestyle factors – lack of physical activity, smoking, and poor diet
• Head trauma or brain injury

Although there is currently no cure, research continues to uncover more about its causes and how to prevent or delay its onset.

Living with Alzheimer’s: Impact on the Individual and Their Family

Alzheimer’s affects more than just memory – it impacts daily routines, independence, relationships, and emotional well-being.

For the person with the disease, feelings of confusion, frustration, or fear can arise as they lose the ability to process their surroundings. For family members, watching a loved one decline can be emotionally painful and physically exhausting. Many become informal carers, often while juggling work and other responsibilities.

This is why building a strong support network, seeking professional care early, and maintaining open communication within the family is so important.

How Home Care Can Help

Home care offers a compassionate and flexible alternative to residential care, allowing individuals to remain in the comfort of their own home while receiving tailored support.

At Home Care Assistance, we provide specialised Alzheimer’s and dementia care that focuses on preserving dignity, independence, and quality of life. Here’s how we help:

• Personal care assistance – with bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming
• Medication reminders and health monitoring
• Cognitive stimulation through games, conversation, and memory exercises
• Safe and structured routines to reduce confusion and anxiety
• Companionship and emotional support
• Respite care to give family caregivers time to rest and recharge

Our caregivers are trained in the unique needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s, and we create personalised care plans to support each stage of the disease.

Hope for the Future: Research and Support

There is increasing global investment in Alzheimer’s research, with promising studies exploring treatments that could slow disease progression, improve symptoms, or prevent the condition entirely.

In Australia, organisations like Dementia Australia provide support, education, and resources for individuals and families living with dementia. With increased awareness and earlier diagnosis, more people can access the help they need to live well with Alzheimer’s.

You’re Not Alone

This World Alzheimer’s Day, let’s reflect on the importance of understanding and supporting those affected by this complex condition. If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, you don’t have to face the journey alone.

At Home Care Assistance, we’re here to deliver compassionate care and peace of mind your family deserves. Our Care Professionals can offer support, whether it’s a few hours a week or full-time care; our team is ready to assist your loved one with dignity and respect.

Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance offers viable solutions for supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.