7 Facts, Not Myths About Alzheimer’s

There are still many misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease, and these myths can create unnecessary fear or false hope. Understanding the facts helps us better support those living with the condition and encourages early action when symptoms begin.

Here are seven essential truths everyone should know:

1. There’s Currently No Cure for Alzheimer’s

While there’s no cure, new treatments are offering hope. The latest anti-amyloid medications are given through IV infusions and are designed to target and help remove amyloid plaques in the brain. These treatments can slow down the progression of cognitive and functional decline.

2. How a Diagnosis Is Made

Alzheimer’s is diagnosed through a combination of history-taking, clinical examination, and cognitive testing. Brain imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, often plays a role.
Specialist tests like amyloid PET scans or lumbar punctures (spinal taps) may be used to confirm the presence of Alzheimer ’s related biomarkers. Blood tests are also emerging as promising diagnostic tools to eventually replace more invasive methods.

3. Dementia Is an Umbrella Term

Alzheimer’s is just one type of dementia, although it’s the most common, accounting for 60–70% of all cases. Other forms include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia associated with Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.

4. Symptoms Progress Over Time

Alzheimer’s doesn’t look the same for everyone. Typically, people notice a change when daily tasks become difficult. The disease progresses at different rates, but the timeline is often around 5 to 7 years. Some people may live 10 years or more following diagnosis, although they’ll need increasing levels of support.

5. Three Genes Can Cause Early-Onset Alzheimer’s

While rare, certain inherited genes can lead to early-onset Alzheimer’s. More commonly discussed is the APOE gene. We inherit one copy from each parent, and different combinations- such as having one or two copies of the APOE4 allele- can increase the risk.
However, having these genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop the condition.

6. Alzheimer’s Develops Long Before Symptoms Appear

The damage from Alzheimer’s begins years—even decades—before symptoms become obvious. During this time, amyloid plaques and tau tangles form in the brain, slowly disrupting how nerve cells communicate. These changes often begin well before the age of 65, which is typically when symptoms start to show.

7. Early Diagnosis Really Matters

Catching Alzheimer’s early can make a real difference. People with mild cognitive impairment may benefit from new treatments, and early diagnosis allows access to support services, information, and future planning for both the individual and their family.