Alzheimer's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Alzheimer's Disease?
A neurologist, a doctor who treats brain and nerve problems, often cares for people with Alzheimer's disease. A geriatrician, a doctor who cares for older adults, can also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Over time, it takes away the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is the most common form of dementia. Dementia means losing thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills.
Alzheimer's first damages the parts of the brain that handle memory. Later it affects language, reasoning, and social behavior. Abnormal clumps of proteins build up in the brain. These clumps, called amyloid plaques and tau tangles, disrupt the usual functions of brain cells. Nerve cells lose their connections and eventually die.
Symptoms
Memory problems are typically one of the first signs. Other early signs include trouble finding the right words and problems with reasoning or judgment. People may have trouble doing everyday things, such as handling money and paying bills. They may ask the same questions over and over or get lost easily.
As the disease worsens, some people may become worried, restless, or agitated. Later, people have problems recognizing family and friends. In the most severe stage, people cannot communicate and depend completely on others for care.
Causes and who gets it
Scientists do not yet fully understand the cause. It probably includes age-related changes in the brain. Genes, health, and lifestyle also play a part. Age is the biggest known risk factor. Most people with Alzheimer's develop it at age 65 or older.
Genes play a role in some cases. One form of the APOE gene, called APOE e4, raises a person's risk. But some people with this gene never develop the disease. Rare changed versions of three genes, APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, cause the disease in families. A child whose parent carries one of these gene changes has a 50/50 chance of getting it.
Health and lifestyle factors linked to higher risk include hearing loss, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, smoking, alcohol misuse, and physical inactivity.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use several tools to find the cause of memory problems. They ask about health, medicines, diet, and past illness. They conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language. Blood and urine tests can help rule out other causes. A spinal tap or blood tests can measure proteins linked to Alzheimer's. Brain scans, like CT or MRI, can support the diagnosis. They can also rule out other causes.
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's. But treatments can help. Lecanemab and donanemab are FDA-approved immunotherapy drugs for early Alzheimer's. They target beta-amyloid, a protein that builds into plaques. Studies showed these drugs slowed cognitive decline in some people.
These medicines can cause brain swelling and bleeding. In rare cases, these side effects can be serious or life-threatening. Doctors watch for side effects with MRI scans. Other medicines help manage symptoms. Donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical important for memory and thinking. Memantine can help people with moderate to severe disease.
Some people develop agitation, which means feeling upset or restless. Brexpiprazole, an antipsychotic medicine, is approved to treat this. Its side effects can include dizziness and stroke. Experts advise trying comfort strategies, like avoiding stressful situations, before behavior medicines.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you or someone close to you has memory and thinking problems. Some causes of memory loss can be treatable and even reversible. These include stroke, a tumor, an infection, or side effects of medicine. Beginning treatment early may help preserve daily skills for a while. If a person taking Alzheimer's medicine develops unusual symptoms, report them to the doctor right away. Call 911 or your local emergency number for a seizure or fainting. Also call for sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or a sudden change in vision.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can evaluate memory concerns, review medicines, and coordinate care with a neurologist.
Common questions
Is there a cure for Alzheimer's disease?
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's. However, medications are emerging to treat the progression of the disease by targeting its underlying causes. Other medicines may temporarily improve or stabilize memory and thinking in some people.
What is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?
Age is the biggest known risk factor. Most people with Alzheimer's develop the disease when they are 65 or older. As a person ages past 65, their risk increases.
Can Alzheimer's disease run in families?
Sometimes. In most cases, Alzheimer's does not have a single genetic cause. Still, people who have a parent or sibling with the disease have a higher risk than those who do not. Rare gene changes in APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2 cause the disease in families.
How do doctors tell if memory problems are from Alzheimer's disease?
Doctors ask about health, medicines, and daily activities. They test memory, problem solving, attention, counting, and language. They may also order blood tests or brain scans.
Sources
- National Institute on Aging - Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
- National Institute on Aging - What Causes Alzheimer's Disease?
- National Institute on Aging - How Is Alzheimer's Disease Treated?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
