What are the main symptoms or signs of Alzheimer's disease: stages, diagnosis and new treatments?

Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.

When should you see a doctor for Alzheimer's disease: stages, diagnosis and new treatments?

See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

Neurology

Alzheimer's disease: stages, diagnosis and new treatments

Beyond memory loss

Dr. Antoine Mercier

Neurologist

8 min read

Medical illustration of Alzheimer's disease: stages, diagnosis and new treatments

In simple terms

Early signs, biomarkers, lecanemab/donanemab: what's new against Alzheimer's in 2026.

A progressive neurodegenerative disease

Alzheimer's is the leading cause of dementia. Amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulate in the brain, destroying neurons. Risk factors: age, ApoE4 genotype, cardiovascular comorbidities, hearing loss, low education.

Early signs

Recent memory loss, word-finding difficulties, disorientation in familiar places, behavioral changes, withdrawal from activities.

Modern diagnosis

Cognitive testing (MMSE, MoCA), brain MRI, CSF biomarkers (Aβ42, tau), amyloid PET. Blood biomarkers (p-tau217) now emerging.

Treatments

Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) and memantine: symptomatic
Lecanemab, donanemab: anti-amyloid antibodies, first disease-modifying drugs approved in early stages
Non-drug: cognitive stimulation, physical activity, social engagement

Prevention

Control blood pressure, diabetes, manage hearing loss, Mediterranean diet, sleep, lifelong learning.

The words explained

Medical terms used above, in everyday language.

Symptom: A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
Diagnosis: The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
Risk factor: Something that makes an illness more likely, such as smoking or family history.
Blood pressure: The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. Too high, over years, damages the heart and vessels.
Cardiovascular: Related to the heart and blood vessels.
Prevention: Steps taken before a problem starts, to make it less likely.

When should you see a doctor?

Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
You already take medication and want to change anything about it.

This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Alzheimer's disease: stages, diagnosis and new treatments?: Early signs, biomarkers, lecanemab/donanemab: what's new against Alzheimer's in 2026.
What are the main symptoms or signs of Alzheimer's disease: stages, diagnosis and new treatments?: Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
When should you see a doctor for Alzheimer's disease: stages, diagnosis and new treatments?: See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.

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