Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Need to Know as You Age Aging Well Mind and Memory Alzheimer's Disease Dementia. Alzheimer’s and many other dementias occur as a result of damage to neurons in the brain that affects their ability to communicate with each other. Prevention. Numerous studies suggest that staying active may reduce the risk of AD, likely by increasing blood flow to the brain and improving the brain’s use of oxygen and glucose, as well as building denser blood vessels in the brain. Studies have found this type of diet might reduce the risk of AD regardless of how physically active you are or if you have any cardiovascular problems. Diagnosis. Memory loss disrupts daily life, such as forgetting important dates or events and not remembering them later, asking for the same information again and again, and relying on notes and other clues to remember things. 1. Preclinical Alzheimer’s. 2. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild behavioral impairment (MBI). At this stage, there are some changes in memory and other cognitive functions or in mood, behavior, and personality, but not enough to affect independent functioning in daily life. 3. Dementia. Treatment. There is no cure for AD, but there is a lot that can be done to improve symptoms and quality of life for both patients and caregivers. The benefits are relatively slight, slowing the progression of AD by six to 12 months. The drug memantine is typically used in the later stages of Alzheimer’s and may be combined with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Living With AD. Research. For Caregivers. If you keep expecting your loved one to remember tasks, things you said, and people’s names, you will be disappointed. Treatment Memory Care Services from the Comfort of Home. Definitions. Tau Proteins (taw pro-teens): A protein that makes up the tangles found inside the brain cells in people with Alzheimer’s disease.