When Memories Begin to Fade: Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Mary had always been the heart of her family. She never forgot a birthday, remembered everyone’s favorite meal, and could tell stories from decades ago with remarkable detail. But one day, she misplaced her house keys. Soon after, she began repeating the same questions during conversations. Her family assumed it was just a normal part of growing older. It wasn’t until she got lost while walking home from a nearby grocery store that they realized something more serious was happening.

Many families have experienced a similar journey. Alzheimer’s disease often begins quietly, with small changes that are easy to dismiss. Over time, however, these changes become more noticeable, affecting not only the person living with the illness but also everyone who loves and cares for them.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is a progressive brain disorder, meaning it gradually worsens over time. As brain cells become damaged and die, a person’s ability to remember, reason, communicate, and perform everyday activities slowly declines.

Although Alzheimer’s is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 65, it is not a normal part of ageing. Growing older may bring occasional forgetfulness, but Alzheimer’s causes changes that interfere with daily life and independence.

What Happens Inside the Brain?

Scientists have discovered that Alzheimer’s disease is linked to the build-up of two abnormal proteins in the brain.

One forms amyloid plaques, while the other creates tau tangles. These abnormal deposits disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually cause them to die. As more brain cells are affected, different areas of the brain begin to shrink, leading to increasing difficulties with memory, language, judgment, and decision-making.

Researchers are still studying why these changes occur, but they believe Alzheimer’s develops through a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors over many years.

Who is at Risk?

There is no single cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but several factors can increase the likelihood of developing it.

The greatest risk factor is age, particularly after 65 years. A family history of Alzheimer’s and certain inherited genes, such as APOE-e4, may also increase the risk. Conditions that affect heart health, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity, can contribute as well. Previous head injuries and long-term unhealthy lifestyle habits may also play a role.

Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean a person will develop Alzheimer’s. Likewise, some people with the disease have no obvious risk factors at all.

Early Signs Families Should Notice

The first symptoms often involve memory, but Alzheimer’s affects much more than remembering names or appointments.

A person may:

• Frequently forget recent conversations or important events.
• Ask the same questions repeatedly.
• Misplace everyday items and struggle to retrace their steps.
• Become confused in familiar places.
• Have difficulty managing finances or following familiar routines.
• Find it hard to choose the right words during conversations.
• Show poor judgment or make unusual decisions.
• Experience changes in mood, personality, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities.

These symptoms gradually become more severe, making independent living increasingly difficult.

How is Alzheimer’s Diagnosed?

There is no single test that confirms Alzheimer’s disease.

Doctors usually begin by taking a detailed medical history and speaking with both the individual and family members about the changes they have noticed.

Memory and thinking abilities are assessed through cognitive tests. Blood tests and brain imaging may be performed to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, or strokes.

An early diagnosis is valuable because it allows individuals and families to plan for the future and begin treatment while symptoms are still mild.

Can Alzheimer’s Be Treated?

Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, several treatments can help people maintain their quality of life and slow the progression of symptoms.

Medications

Doctors may prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine. These medications help brain cells communicate more effectively and may improve memory and thinking in some people.

For moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease, memantine may be recommended. It works differently by regulating certain brain signals involved in learning and memory.

In recent years, newer treatments known as anti-amyloid therapies, have become available for selected people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. These medications aim to remove amyloid plaques from the brain and may slow disease progression. Because they are not suitable for everyone and require careful monitoring, treatment decisions should always be made by a specialist. 

TMS for Alzheimer’s 

Although Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is not yet considered a standard treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, growing research suggests it may offer meaningful benefits for selected individuals, particularly those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Current evidence indicates that the greatest benefits are achieved through personalised treatment protocols that target brain networks involved in memory and cognition, long-term stimulation schedules to maintain improvements, and, where possible, combining TMS with cognitive rehabilitation. Researchers also emphasise the importance of early intervention during the MCI stage, when the brain retains greater plasticity and the potential to preserve cognitive function before more significant decline occurs.

The Importance of Non-Medication Care

Medicines are only one part of treatment. Everyday care and a supportive environment are equally important.

Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, good sleep, and meaningful social interaction help support overall brain health. Simple routines, clear communication, labelled household items, and a safe home environment can reduce confusion and anxiety.

Activities such as listening to familiar music, looking through family photographs, gardening, or engaging in hobbies can also bring comfort and improve emotional well-being.

Caring for the Caregiver

Alzheimer’s disease affects the whole family. Caring for someone with memory loss can be physically demanding and emotionally exhausting.

Caregivers often experience stress, anxiety, grief, and burnout. Taking regular breaks, accepting help from family and friends, joining support groups, and seeking professional guidance are essential, not only for the caregiver’s well-being but also for the quality of care they provide.

Looking after yourself is not selfish; it is an important part of caring for someone else.

A Message of Hope

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be overwhelming, but it is not the end of the journey. Advances in research continue to improve our understanding of the disease, and newer treatments are offering hope for slowing its progression in selected individuals.

Perhaps the most important step is recognizing the early signs and seeking medical evaluation without delay. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and compassionate support can help people with Alzheimer’s continue to live meaningful lives while preserving their dignity and independence for as long as possible. 

At OBHI, we are pleased to offer TMS therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment using evidence-informed treatment protocols under specialist supervision. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory concerns or has been diagnosed with MCI or early Alzheimer’s disease, our clinical team can assess whether TMS may be an appropriate part of a personalized treatment plan. Early evaluation and timely intervention can make a meaningful difference in preserving cognitive health and quality of life.