What is Alzheimer's Disease?
When someone you love begins to show signs of memory loss, confusion or changes in behaviour, it can be a worrying time. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and understanding what it is, how it progresses, and what support is available can make all the difference in planning for the future.
At Consultus Care and Nursing, we’ve been providing compassionate, highly-skilled live-in care and live-in nursing for over 60 years, helping people across the country to live safely, independently and happily in their own homes. We believe life is better at home, granting more people the freedom to make their own choices and live life their way.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain. It’s the most common form of dementia, accounting for around 60% of those living with dementia. Over time, Alzheimer’s damages brain cells and the connections between them, leading to problems with memory, thinking, communication, and everyday activities.
It typically begins with mild memory lapses, such as forgetting names or misplacing objects, but gradually declines over time to include confusion over time and place, difficulty recognising family members, and needing help with basic tasks.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary from person to person, and tend to develop gradually. In the early stages, signs may be subtle and easily attributable to ageing. However, as the disease progresses, these symptoms become more noticeable and begin to interfere with daily life.
Common symptoms include:
Short-term memory loss, such as forgetting recent conversations or appointments
Difficulty finding the right words or following conversations
Repeating questions or statements
Confusion about dates, times or places
Trouble making decisions or solving problems
Mood changes, including anxiety, depression, or irritability
A decline in personal care and hygiene
Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies
In later stages, loss of mobility, swallowing difficulties, and complete dependency on care
Because Alzheimer’s is progressive, symptoms will worsen over time, often in distinct stages. Recognising these signs early can help families seek a diagnosis and begin exploring care options.
What causes Alzheimer’s?
While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s isn’t fully understood, scientists believe it’s linked to the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. These proteins - amyloid and tau - disrupt communication between cells and trigger inflammation, eventually causing the brain to shrink and cells to die.
Several factors are thought to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, including:
Age - the strongest known risk factor
Family history or genetics - particularly the APOE4 gene
Lifestyle factors - such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and lack of exercise
Head injuries - especially repeated trauma or severe brain injury
Poor cardiovascular health - as blood flow to the brain plays a key role in cognitive function
While not all risk factors can be controlled, some lifestyle choices may help reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
Alzheimer’s vs other types of dementia
It’s a common misconception that Alzheimer’s and dementia are one and the same. In fact, dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with the decline of cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but it’s just one of several types. Understanding the distinction between types of dementia is important, as each may present differently and progress at a different pace. Here are some of the most common forms:
Alzheimer’s disease - The most widespread type, typically beginning with memory loss and confusion. As it progresses, it affects language, reasoning, and behaviour, often leading to complete dependency.
Vascular dementia - Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke or series of small strokes. Symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, slower thinking, and mood changes. Progression can be stepwise, with sudden declines following vascular events.
Lewy body dementia - Linked to abnormal protein deposits in brain cells, this type shares similarities with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Individuals may experience visual hallucinations, disrupted sleep, and movement difficulties, alongside cognitive decline.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) - More likely to affect people at a younger age (often under 65), FTD targets the parts of the brain responsible for personality and behaviour. This can lead to changes in judgement, impulsivity, loss of empathy, and language difficulties.
Mixed dementia - A combination of two or more types - most often Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Symptoms may be more complex, with overlapping features from both conditions.
Talk to us today
Give us a call to discuss your needs with one of our friendly, expert Care Advisors. They will guide you through your options to ensure you make the right choice for you and your family.
Are there any treatments available?
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are treatments available that may help manage symptoms and slow progression in some people. These include:
Medications, such as donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine, can be offered to help maintain high levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which can help nerve cells send and receive signals, and help manage the cognitive symptoms experienced.
Supportive therapies, such as cognitive stimulation, speech and language therapy, and physiotherapy.
Lifestyle support, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and social engagement to help maintain quality of life. If you receive care at home, your carer can help support you with regular mobility exercises and brain stimulation.
Dementia care at Consultus Care
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, it’s natural to worry about how to provide the right level of support - especially as the condition progresses. At Consultus Care, we offer tailored live-in dementia care that allows individuals to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, supported by a professional carer who truly understands their needs.
If you’d like to speak to one of our experienced Care Consultants about your loved one’s needs, we’re here to help. Contact us on 01732 496715 or enquire online.
How to arrange dementia care
Speak to a Care Advisor
Our friendly, expert Care Advisors are here to guide you through your options, answer your important questions, whilst providing support along the way.
Care assessment
If you would like our managed live-in care service, a Care Consultant local to you, will complete a free assessment of your needs in your home.
Care starts
A fully trained carer will be carefully matched to meet your needs, and will start to provide our high-quality service in your home.
Why choose Consultus Care and Nursing?
One of the longest-established and most trusted providers
Founded in 1962, we have always been innovators in live-in care and live-in nursing. With over 60 years’ experience, we are one of the country’s longest-established, most highly recommended and experienced providers.
Unrivalled choice and control over your care
We understand that every person’s needs are different and every family’s situation is unique. With our choice of fully managed live-in care and nursing, and our introductory service, we offer more flexibility and personalisation than any other provider.
Highly trained nurses and carers
We are nationally recognised for the quality of our nurses and carers. With market-leading training, delivered at our own, multi-award-winning training centre, they provide exemplary, compassionate care tailored to individual needs, offering total peace of mind for clients and their families.
Expert care and support, dedicated to you
Our Care Consultants oversee our nursing and managed care services supporting only a small number of families. This means our service is truly personal, with unrivalled support and continuity of care. Reassurance that we are there when you need us most.
Family-founded, family-owned
We continue to be a family-owned and family-managed business. The largest wholly family-owned live-in care provider in the UK, we focus on what our clients and their families need from a high-quality care service, not on meeting investors’ expectations.
Looking for care?
Please fill out the enquiry form below and we will aim to contact you within 24 hours. Looking to work for Consultus Care and Nursing? Please apply here.