Last updated: November 13, 2025

Over 7 million people in the U.S. are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and that umber is projected to reach nearly 13 million by 2050.¹ While this progressive brain disorder is quite common among older adults, it can be quite tricky to diagnose, and help is often not sought until its last stage. Fortunately, learning the warning signs and the various stages of Alzheimer’s can help you detect the disease early on for yourself or your loved one to help slow down its progression.

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?

While many consider the two synonymous or use them interchangeably, they are not exactly the same. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that leads to dementia symptoms, whereas dementia is not a disease at all; it is a general term used to define cognitive decline, including memory loss and thinking difficulties. Dementia is essentially a result of Alzheimer’s.²

Early signs and symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Because misplacing things or having trouble finding words when speaking from time to time is a normal part of aging, more severe memory loss that could indicate Alzheimer’s can easily be overlooked. For many people, a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early warning sign of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Those experiencing MCI have problems with memory or cognitive function more noticeable to themselves but not yet serious enough to interfere with everyday life and activities. Although symptoms may be mild at first, seniors who exhibit MCI are often at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions leading to dementia. However, it’s comforting to know that MCI is not always indicative of dementia, but it is something for older adults and their families to be mindful of.³

Here are some early signs to look for:

Memory: Losing items like keys around the house, forgetting a longtime friend’s name, getting lost in a place you visit often.

Speech: Repeating oneself or struggling with vocabulary

Visual perception: Difficulty seeing, reading things, and judging distances.

Concentrating, organizing, or planning: Struggling to make decisions or difficulty completing tasks like cooking³

Note: If one has Alzheimer’s, the symptoms above become more evident as the disease progresses into the later stages of Alzheimer’s, as shown in the next section.

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s?

To identify the disease’s severity, experts often refer to a spectrum of progressive stages for tracking the progression of Alzheimer’s. Those stages, according to Mayo Clinic, are as follows:

Preclinical

When a person one is in the “preclinical” stage, likely, they do not see any symptoms. They’re free of noticeable cognitive or functional decline and considered mentally healthy by most people. This stage can last for years or even decades.⁴

Mild Cognitive Impairment

In this stage, many people still will not notice anything different in the individual’s behavior. However, their memory will start slipping, including having difficulty remembering names, conversations, recent events, or appointments. The ability to make good decisions may also become more difficult.⁴

Mild Dementia

Memory problems are present and significant enough for close friends and family to notice. One may have trouble with problem-solving or completing complex tasks, experience changes in their personality, have trouble expressing their thoughts, or frequently misplace their belongings.⁴

Moderate Dementia

In this stage, basic tasks start to become increasingly difficult. For example, one will notice they’re struggling to remember details about themselves or having trouble ordering from a menu. Generally, they will experience greater confusion or memory loss than before, need help with daily activities, and experience more significant changes in their personality, including paranoid or delusional behavior.⁴

Severe Dementia

Mental function continues to decline. The affected individual may start to experience debilitating issues with movement and other physical capabilities.

Late-Stage Severe Dementia

One’s ability to verbally communicate or express their thoughts is removed. Other physical complications also set in, with the affected individual usually unable to walk and sit up independently, smile, or hold their head up without assistance. People in this stage of the disease need around-the-clock help from caregivers as they can no longer care for themselves.⁴

Risk factors of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Researchers have performed numerous studies to determine what happens in the brain as Alzheimer’s progresses, but the results have been inconclusive. However, many researchers believe most Alzheimer’s cases are due to genetics, lifestyle, and environment. The main risk factors include:

Age: Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, especially since many people enter their 80s with their cognitive abilities intact, but age increases risk; most people with the disease are 65 and older. After 65, the risk of Alzheimer’s doubles every five years. After 85, the risk increases to nearly one-third.⁵

Family history: Having an immediate relative, such as a parent or sibling with the disease, is believed to be a strong risk factor. This may reflect shared genetics, environmental factors, or sometimes both.⁵

Medical conditions: Brain health is strongly linked to heart health. So, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes have been known to increase a person’s risk for Alzheimer’s. Also, conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been linked to future risk of dementia.⁵

How long does Alzheimer’s disease last?

The brain changes that result in Alzheimer’s disease may begin ten years or more before the first symptoms appear, as amyloid plaques and tau tangles start to form, neurons die, and other harmful changes in the brain begin to occur.

If diagnosed, a person with Alzheimer’s will live on average from 4 to 8 years; though some survive for as long as 20 years.⁶

Families living with the reality of caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can often feel overwhelmed. At HomeWell, we offer specialty care for those with dementia that provides advanced support from experienced and compassionate caregivers trained to provide specialty care to address your specific needs. Give us a call today to learn if our services are right for you. 

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Sources

1. Alzheimer’s Association. “Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.” https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
2. Alzheimer’s Association. “Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease: What is the Difference?” https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
3. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, June 27). “Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17990-mild-cognitive-impairment
4. Mayo Clinic. (2025, May 9). “Alzheimer’s stages: How the disease progresses.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/alzheimers-stages/art-20048448
5. Alzheimer’s Association. “What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias?” https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors
6. Alzheimer’s Association. “What is Alzheimer’s Disease?” https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers