Alzheimer's: Invest in your brain today

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Quick LINKS
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Spot the signs
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Browse myths vs. facts
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Addressing Alzheimer's
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It’s never too early to prioritise your cognitive health, which is how well you think, learn, and remember.

Don't wait until you notice changes in your memory and thinking. Talk to your healthcare professional early about your brain health, and use the resources below to help plan your next steps.
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UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Alzheimer’s is the
most common type
of dementia1

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. Those living with Alzheimer's disease experience cognitive decline, which worsens over time. However, everyone experiences it differently, and not everyone who experiences cognitive decline will develop Alzheimer's disease1-4.

It can be hard to tell if cognitive changes are part of aging or are caused by something else5. Talking to your healthcare professional as part of your visit is an important part of preventive health even if you are not experiencing any cognitive changes.
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AGING AND BRAIN HEALTH

Spotting the signs:
atypical vs. typical aging

Some changes to your memory and thinking can be a typical part of getting older6. Others could be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or other atypical brain changes7. Explore the signs below to learn the difference.

Although age is the single biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, a person's likelihood of developing the condition is also influenced by genetics and modifiable factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, untreated high blood pressure, obesity, excessive alcohol intake and depression.21
This content is intended as a general overview and may not cover all relevant considerations. Please consult a healthcare professional for comprehensive, individualised advice.

Memory loss6,8

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Typical Aging:

Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.

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Atypical Aging:

Forgetting recently learned information, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids.

Misplacing items6,8

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Typical Aging:

Misplacing items occasionally but retracing steps to find them.

Red cross in circle icon

Atypical Aging:

Consistently misplacing items and unable to retrace steps to find them; accusing others of stealing.

Difficulty with familiar tasks6,8

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Typical Aging:

Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.

Red cross in circle icon

Atypical Aging:

Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home like organising a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favourite game.

Problem-solving challenges8

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Typical Aging:

Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.

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Atypical Aging:

Challenges with following a plan or working with numbers, such as following a familiar recipe.

Confusion with time or place6,8

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Typical Aging:

Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

Red cross in circle icon

Atypical Aging:

Losing track of dates, seasons, or passage of time; not being able to retrace steps.

Mood, personality, and behaviour changes6,8

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Typical Aging:

Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

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Atypical Aging:

Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious, especially when out of their comfort zone.

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MYTHS VS. FACTS

Separating fact from fear: understanding Alzheimer’s

Thanks to scientific research, we know more than before. Knowing the facts can help you take action.
Myth No. 1
“Memory loss is inevitable with age and brain health can’t improve later in life.”
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Fact
While some memory change is typical, big changes in thinking are not9. The brain can still learn new things at any age, and having healthy habits (Such as, healthy diet, regular physical exercise, active social contact, cognitive activity, not smoking, not drinking alcohol.) may help slow down cognitive decline9,10.
Myth No. 2
“Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the same as early-stage Alzheimer’s.”
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Fact
People with MCI can usually take care of themselves and are able to carry out their day-to-day tasks. MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, but not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s 7.
Myth No. 3
“Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are the same thing.”
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Fact
Dementia is a broad term for issues with memory, thinking, and social skills; Alzheimer’s is its most common form1. Everyone with Alzheimer’s has dementia, but not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s11,12.
Myth No. 4
“If my parent has Alzheimer’s disease, I will get it too.
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Fact
Alzheimer’s can run in families, but not everyone who has a parent with the disease will get it13,14.
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ALZHEIMER’S DIAGNOSIS

How Alzheimer's is diagnosed

Acting early may make a difference2,15,16

The idea of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be overwhelming, early diagnosis can be beneficial for people.

Steps to a diagnosis17,18,19

Your healthcare professional might suggest more tests, like pictures of your brain to learn more, and may refer you to a specialist.

FIRST

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Medical 
History

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Discuss health, family history, and symptoms.
NEXT
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Cognitive Screening

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Your healthcare professional may ask you questions or give you simple tests to check your memory, thinking, or other skills.18
THEN
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Blood Test and Exams

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Sometimes, healthcare professionals may use blood tests and/or physical and neurological exams to look for signs of health changes. There are specific blood tests that may determine if you have specific proteins that are linked to Alzheimer's Disease.
FINALLY
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Brain Imaging

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Your healthcare professional might suggest more tests, like pictures of your brain or body, to learn more, and may refer you to a specialist.
Disclaimer: This is an example of the steps someone may experience to evaluate and test memory and thinking changes. Individual experiences may vary.
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Disease Diagnosis
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Acting early may make a difference20

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PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Resources to help make the most of
your visit

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First healthcare professional visit guide

Fill out this guide with questions to ask your healthcare professional and topics to consider before your first appointment.
Download PDF

Healthy brain

questionnaire

Complete this questionnaire and bring it to your appointment to help your healthcare professional understand your brain health better.
Download PDF
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RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

Addressing Alzheimer's 
hand in hand

  • Support resources: Find additional information from the Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer's Association UK.

References

  1. Alzheimer’s Research UK. All about dementia. Cambridge: Alzheimer’s Research UK; 2024 [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AAD-1124-1126-V1.6-WEB.pdf
  2. NHS. Alzheimer’s disease. London: National Health Service; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/
  3. Alzheimer’s Society. What is Alzheimer’s disease? London: Alzheimer’s Society; [accessed Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/alzheimers-disease
  4. Verywellhealth. Mild Cognitive Impairment vs. Alzheimer's Disease. [accessed 6 Apr 2026]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/mild-cognitive-impairment-and-alzheimers-disease-98561.
  5. Banner Health. Memory Loss: Is It Normal Aging or Something More Serious?. [Accessed 6 Apr 2026]. Available from: https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/memory-loss-is-it-normal-aging-or-dementia.
  6. Alzheimer’s Society. Do I have dementia? Signs. London: Alzheimer’s Society; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/worried-about-memory-problems/do-i-have-dementia-signs
  7. National Institute on Aging. Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging. [accessed 6 Apr 2026]. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-loss-and-forgetfulness/memory-problems-forgetfulness-and-aging.
  8. Alzheimer’s Association. 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia. London: Alzheimer’s Association; [accessed 6 Apr 2026]. Available from: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs.
  9. Age UK. How your thinking skills change with age. London: Age UK; [accessed Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/staying-sharp/thinking-skills-change-with-age/
  10. Healthy lifestyle in old age linked to slower memory and thinking decline. Cambridge: Alzheimer’s Research UK; 2023 [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/healthy-lifestyle-in-old-age-linked-to-slower-memory-and-thinking-decline/
  11. Alzheimer’s Association. Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease: What Is the Difference? London: Alzheimer’s Association; [accessed 6 Apr 2026]. Available from: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s.
  12. NHS. Causes of dementia. London: National Health Service; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about-dementia/causes/.
  13. Alzheimer’s Society. Is dementia hereditary? London: Alzheimer’s Society; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/is-dementia-hereditary
  14. NHS. Alzheimer’s disease – Causes. London: National Health Service; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alzheimers-disease/causes/
  15. DementiaUK. The emotional impact of a dementia diagnosis. London: DementiaUK; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/specialist-diagnosis-and-support/emotional-impact-of-a-diagnosis/.
  16. Alzheimer’s Research UK. Delivering dementia diagnosis: a blueprint for the future. Cambridge: Alzheimer’s Research UK; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Delivering-Dementia-Diagnosis-A-Blueprint-for-the-Future.pdf.
  17. Alzheimer’s Society. Dementia assessment with your GP. London: Alzheimer’s Society; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/dementia-diagnosis/how-to-get-dementia-diagnosis/dementia-assessment-with-gp.
  18. National Institutes of Health. Accurate blood test for Alzheimer's disease. [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/accurate-blood-test-alzheimer-s-disease.
  19. NHS. Testing for diagnosing dementia. London: National Health Service; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/tests/.
  20. Alzheimer’s Society. Benefits of getting a dementia diagnosis. London: Alzheimer’s Society; [accessed 11 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/dementia-diagnosis/benefits-of-getting-dementia-diagnosis.
  21. Alzheimer's Society. Who gets Alzheimer's disease? [Internet]. London: Alzheimer's Society; [accessed 27 May 2026]. Available from: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/who-gets-alzheimers-disease
CMAT-06465 June 2026
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