Common Alzheimer’s Questions During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and let’s focus on that word, “awareness.” As one of the most common diseases whose true cause remains unknown, early identification of Alzheimer’s can make a life-changing difference.
This is why we want to take a moment today to raise awareness of the signs to identify Alzheimer’s and its associated symptoms. We’ll also discuss how in-home medical support can help those you care about continue to enjoy Living Life at Home.
What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
There are many varieties of dementia, and Alzheimer’s is the most common type, accounting for the majority of cases in the United States. Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities to the extent that they interfere with activities of daily living.
Alzheimer’s disease, on the other hand, is a specific medical condition that can create those symptoms, making it the leading cause of dementia. Here’s an easy way to remember the distinction:
- Dementia. The symptom cluster
- Alzheimer’s. A disease that can cause those symptoms
What Causes Alzheimer’s?

The unfortunate truth is that we don’t fully know what causes Alzheimer’s disease. Medical research has uncovered several contributing factors to Alzheimer’s, but a single cause to explain every case remains unknown.
What we do know is that the onset of Alzheimer’s is marked by the abnormal behavior of two proteins, known as beta-amyloid plaques and tau proteins, which are also called neurofibrillary tangles.
- Beta-amyloid plaques are abnormal clusters of protein fragments that build up between nerve cells, disrupting communication and triggering inflammation in the brain.
- Tau proteins typically support the structure of neurons, but in Alzheimer’s disease, they twist and tangle, impairing brain function.
How Is Alzheimer’s Diagnosed?
The abnormal behavior of these proteins causes brain cells to die, resulting in the deterioration of memory and cognitive functions. It’s at this point that behavioral symptoms set in, and that is typically when it is first identified.
The first risk factor doctors check is family history. If Alzheimer’s runs in the family, the likelihood of developing the disease increases, though it is not a definitive indicator. This is often followed by a series of cognitive tests that check for memory, problem-solving, language comprehension, and attention.
Blood work is also typically included, but not to identify Alzheimer’s directly. Rather, it helps rule out other causes, such as thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies. After that, MRI scans are the next step, revealing areas of low brain activity that help physicians monitor disease progression.
Is Alzheimer’s Hereditary?
In some cases, yes, Alzheimer’s can be hereditary, but it depends on the type. Late-onset Alzheimer’s—the most common form, after age 65—can run in families, but it’s not guaranteed to be passed down. Simply being at a higher risk does not mean you’ll definitely get it.
When late-onset Alzheimer’s is caused by a gene mutation, it is called familial Alzheimer’s disease. If someone inherits the gene, it almost always develops into Alzheimer’s, but luckily, these make up less than 1% of all cases, meaning it is very rare.
How To Prevent Alzheimer’s
Research suggests that maintaining overall brain and body health can play a crucial role in delaying or reducing the likelihood of cognitive decline. This means paying attention to your lifestyle, staying connected with others, and managing underlying health issues that may contribute to memory problems over time.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but you can lower your risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you:
- Stay physically active with regular exercise.
- Follow a heart-healthy diet.
- Routinely engage in mental exercises like puzzles or try learning new skills.
- Stay socially active.
- Control chronic health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Get enough sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Get In-Home Alzheimer’s Support Through Living Life at Home

Living Life at Home Nurse registry staffs highly skilled nurses who specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment throughout South Florida. If a loved one has Alzheimer’s and needs in-home support, or if you want to learn more about how in-home care can support your family members with Alzheimer’s, contact Living Life at Home online today.