What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s – and how does the disease affect men and women differently?

Although Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia , many remain unaware as to its signs and symptoms, alongside the impacts it can have.

With September and World Alzheimer’s Month fast approaching, two experts have issued advice on the symptoms to look out for and how those struggling with Alzheimer’s can be better supported.

Alzheimer’s disease mostly affects older adults, but it can develop in younger people under the age of 65, when it is known as young onset Alzheimer’s disease.

It is thought to be caused by a build-up of proteins in the brain which affect how the brain cells transmit messages, says the specialist dementia nursing charity Dementia UK.

As time passes, more brain cells are damaged, leading to worsening symptoms, and there is currently no cure to stop or reverse the disease.

Professor Arshad Rather, consultant geriatrician at Medical Express Clinic, explained that people often conflate Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but they are not the same.

Rather says: “Dementia is an umbrella term. It’s a group of diseases that have one thing in common – that is problem with the cognition.

“That problem with the cognition is progressive and, over time, it affects your ability to look after yourself and, ultimately, you die because of the complications. That’s dementia.

“Now, dementia is caused by different diseases. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s, followed by vascular dementia… and there are lots of other causes of dementia.

“It’s not a single disease that causes dementia but, by far, the most common cause is Alzheimer’s.”

Rather says it is important to remember that “dementia is not a normal part of ageing” – and while age is a risk factor, not all older people have dementia.

While most people “slow down” with age, and this can affect memory, certain signs and symptoms should not be dismissed.

Dementia UK says the most noticeable early sign of Alzheimer’s disease is usually difficulty with memory, especially short-term.

For the middle to late stages, symptoms can include increasing confusion and disorientation, delusions, hallucinations, problems with speech and language, loss of speech, incontinence and mobility problems.