ALZHEMIER'S DISEASE

ALZHEMIER'S DISEASE AND THE VALUE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Theme: ‘The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do.’

She has asked the same question three times today. She missed a familiar turn on her way home. The family says, “Maybe it is just old age.” But what if it is more than ordinary forgetfulness?

Memory changes can be easy to dismiss, especially when they begin slowly. Yet persistent changes in memory, thinking, behaviour or daily functioning deserve attention.

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease

Dementia is a general term for a decline in memory, thinking or behaviour that becomes serious enough to affect everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It is a progressive neurological disorder in which brain cells become damaged and die over time, causing affected parts of the brain to shrink.

The condition often begins with difficulty remembering recent information. As it progresses, it may affect communication, judgement, behaviour, social skills and the ability to live independently. Dementia is more common in older adults, but it is not a normal or inevitable part of ageing.

The World Health Organization estimated that 57 million people were living with dementia worldwide in 2021, with more than 60% living in low- and middle-income countries. Alzheimer’s disease may account for 60 to 70% of dementia cases.

Warning signs to notice

The concern is not an occasional forgotten name. It is a new pattern that persists, worsens or interferes with familiar activities. Warning signs may include:

• Repeatedly forgetting recent conversations, appointments or events
• Getting lost in familiar places or becoming confused about time
• Difficulty managing money, medicines, cooking or other familiar tasks
• Problems finding words, following conversations or making decisions
• Noticeable changes in judgement, mood, personality or social behaviour

Sudden confusion is different from the gradual course of most dementias. It can be caused by infection, stroke, medicine effects or another urgent condition and should be assessed promptly.

Who is at risk

Age is the strongest known risk factor, especially after 65. Family history and certain genes may also increase risk, although having a genetic risk factor does not mean a person will definitely develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Other factors linked with dementia include high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, smoking, harmful alcohol use, physical inactivity, hearing or vision loss, social isolation, head injury and air pollution. These factors 

increase risk. Healthy habits may lower risk, but the diagnosis should never be used to blame the person or family.

Why an early diagnosis matter

There is no single quick test for every form of dementia. A clinician may review the person’s symptoms, medicines, mood, sleep, hearing and vision, perform memory and neurological assessments, and request blood tests or brain imaging when needed.

Assessment is important because depression, infection, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiency, medication side effects and other conditions can also affect memory. Some of these problems can improve with treatment. When dementia is diagnosed, knowing earlier gives the person and family more time to discuss care, safety, finances and future wishes while the person can still take part in decisions.

Culture support and action

In some Nigerian communities, dementia symptoms may be dismissed as normal ageing or explained as madness, witchcraft or spiritual punishment. These beliefs can delay care and expose the person to shame or abuse. Faith can still provide comfort and community support, but prayer should not replace medical assessment.

Families can help by speaking calmly, keeping routines simple, making the home safer and sharing caregiving duties. They should avoid arguing with or humiliating the person. Caregivers also need rest and support; asking for help is part of good care.

What you can do today

If you have noticed persistent changes in someone you care about, write down specific examples and arrange a medical assessment.

An early diagnosis does not remove every difficulty, but it can provide answers, identify treatable problems and give families time to plan. The earlier you know, the more you can do.

This article provides general health information and does not replace an individual medical assessment.

Sources

World Health Organization. Dementia fact sheet, updated 3 July 2026. Read source

Adeloye D and colleagues. Prevalence of dementia in Nigeria: a systematic review of the evidence. Journal of Global Health Reports. 2019. Read source

National Institute on Aging. Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet. Read source