Late Onset Alzheimer's

-What is Alzheimer’s and Who has it?

 Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia or a neurocognitive disorder that causes extreme problems with memory loss to the point where an individual’s everyday functioning is greatly impaired. The hallmark characteristics of Alzheimer’s is the build up of amyloid plaques between neurons in the brain and the presence of tangles of tau inside of brain cells. The accumulation of these structures disrupts the normal function of the brain and results in an overall decrease in neurocognitive function with a primary effect on memory. [2]  As its name implies, the “late onset” refers to the fact that this impairment typically occurs in older adults around the age of 65 and older. [1] Within this age group, there are approximately 7 million individuals in the United States alone living with this disease. [2]

-What Causes Alzheimer’s?

            Alzheimer’s is the result of a combination of genetic, biological, and even environmental factors. For instance, sleep disturbances including sleep apnea and insomnia are believed to be risk factors for cognitive decline, as less oxygen is being delivered to the brain at certain times. [1]  However, more research needs to be done to determine a connection between sleep apnea and the development of Alzheimer's. Additionally, genetics play an important role. One of the most well known genetic risk factors includes an apolipoprotein E gene that encodes the brain’s main cholesterol and lipid transporter. More specifically, an allele (ε4) associated with APOE is associated with increased frequency of developing Alzheimer's. [1] Overall, Alzheimer’s does not appear to be the direct result of one major abnormality, but rather, it is a mixture of factors that contribute to multiple problems in the brain.

-Are there Treatments for Alzheimer’s? 

            Aside from long term care facilities that allow for controlled and safe living for people with dementia or other diseases, Alzheimer’s symptoms can be mediated with certain types of medicine that reduce distress for those with the disease. One such medication is an anti amyloid IV infusion therapy (Donananemab) that removes beta amyloid plaques from the brain. [4].  Lecanemab is a second anti amyloid medication delivered subcutaneously that has shown success in slowing down or treating disease progression.[4].

-Moving Forward

Late onset Alzheimer’s disease has no cure and is irreversible [2], thus it is important to take notice of certain declines in mental capacity early in these older adults especially ones that are interfering with daily activities. By doing this, an approach can be taken to ensure individuals get the proper treatment so they can continue to live without complete dependence on others.

References

[1]Rabinovici GD. Late-onset Alzheimer Disease. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2019 Feb;25. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6548536/#sec7. (1):14-33. doi: 10.1212/CON.0000000000000700. PMID: 30707185; PMCID: PMC6548536. Accessed September 2nd, 2026.

[2] Mayo Clinic Staff. Alzheimer's disease: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Updated August 1, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447. Accessed September 2nd, 2026.

[3]National Institutes of Health. “Alzheimer’s Brain.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall10/articles/fall10pg20-21.html. Accessed September 9th, 2026.

[4]Alzheimer’s Association. “Navigating Treatment Options.” Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/treatments/navigating-treatment-options. Accessed September 9th, 2026.