Alzheimer's and Dementia

Worldwide, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms.

How Alzheimer’s Impacts Different Groups

Anyone can be impacted by Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Learn about risk factors for different groups and find support.

Learn More

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's

Memory loss is not a normal part of aging. If you notice any one of these signs in yourself or a loved one, don't hesitate — see a doctor together.

Know the 10 Signs

Take the Brain Tour

Learn how the brain works and how Alzheimer's disease affects the brain.

See Inside the Brain

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.

Facts and Figures

Our annual report reveals the burden of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation’s health care system.

Get the Facts

Caregiver embracing an older adult receiving medical care at home, reflecting emotional support and treatment in Alzheimer’s dementia.

Causes and Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease

Causes of Alzheimer’s and other dementias can include several risk factors – such as genetics, behaviors and habits.

Learn More

Middle-aged adult offering support to an older adult during a serious conversation, reflecting family care and connection in Alzheimer’s dementia support.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Learn early signs, symptoms and more.

Learn More

Artistic rendering of a human brain with glowing neural pathways, symbolizing cognitive function and Alzheimer’s dementia research.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

Learn More

What To Expect

Understand what to expect when visiting a doctor about symptoms, how Alzheimer’s disease progresses, and what resources are available.

Healthcare professional speaking with two older adults in a clinical setting, highlighting Alzheimer’s dementia consultation and treatment support.

How is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?

Learn what to expect when visiting a doctor for symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Learn More

Two people on a staircase sharing a moment of support during household tasks, reflecting everyday caregiving in Alzheimer’s dementia treatment.

Stages of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages.

Learn More

Older adult seated near a window, reflecting on their Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Why Get Checked?

Read about the benefits of receiving an early diagnosis.

Learn More

Older adult, child, and caregiver sharing a joyful moment at home reflecting intergenerational support in Alzheimer’s dementia care.

Treatments for Alzheimer's

There's no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that may change disease progression, and drug and non-drug options that may help treat symptoms.

Learn More

Research & Progress

This is a time of unprecedented promise in the race to end Alzheimer’s. As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research, the Alzheimer’s Association is committed to accelerating the discovery of methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.