Blog
Alzheimer's Disease
Covenant Metabolic Specialists Health Library
Covenant Metabolic Specialists
Physician Reviewed
Dec 3, 2025
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It’s the most common cause of dementia, typically developing after age 65—but it can also strike earlier. While there’s no cure, early intervention can slow progression, support quality of life, and delay cognitive decline.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is a brain disease marked by the buildup of abnormal proteins—amyloid plaques and tau tangles—that disrupt communication between brain cells and lead to their death. Over time, it causes memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and inability to perform daily tasks. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, though risk increases with age. Treatments exist to slow the process, but early recognition is key.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually begin subtly and worsen over time. Common signs include:
Early symptoms:
Forgetting names, appointments, or conversations
Repeating questions
Misplacing items in unusual places
Difficulty finding the right words
Trouble with planning, organizing, or managing finances
Mid-stage symptoms:
Getting lost in familiar places
Increased confusion and poor judgment
Changes in personality or mood (e.g. aggression, anxiety, depression)
Sleep disturbances
Needing help with daily tasks (e.g. dressing, bathing)
Late-stage symptoms:
Inability to recognize loved ones
Loss of mobility and speech
Incontinence
Total dependence on caregivers
Causes
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is still under study, but key contributors include:
Amyloid plaques: Clumps of protein that disrupt nerve cell communication
Tau tangles: Twisted strands of protein that damage internal cell transport
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain
Metabolic dysfunction, particularly insulin resistance in brain cells ("Type 3 diabetes")
Vascular injury and reduced blood flow
Genetic mutations, especially APOE-e4 allele
Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk of Alzheimer’s if you:
Are over age 65
Have a family history of Alzheimer’s
Carry the APOE-e4 gene
Have type 2 diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure
Experience chronic inflammation or poor metabolic health
Are sedentary or socially isolated
Have suffered head trauma or concussion
Smoke or have poor sleep patterns
Diagnosis
There’s no single test for Alzheimer’s, but diagnosis involves:
Medical and family history review
Cognitive tests (e.g., MoCA, MMSE) to assess memory, attention, language
Neurological exam to check reflexes, coordination, and muscle tone
Blood tests to rule out thyroid issues, B12 deficiency, or infections
Brain imaging (MRI or CT) to look for brain shrinkage or rule out stroke/tumor
PET scans or CSF testing for amyloid and tau (in specialized centers)
Early diagnosis allows for earlier care planning and intervention.
Treatments
While there’s no cure, treatment can slow progression and support function.
FDA-Approved Medications:
Donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine: Improve communication between neurons
Memantine: Helps in moderate to severe stages by regulating glutamate
Lecanemab (Leqembi): Approved in 2023 to reduce amyloid plaques in early Alzheimer’s (used in select patients)
Supportive Care:
Cognitive therapy, music therapy, and structured routines
Caregiver education and mental health support
Safety measures at home to reduce fall and injury risk
Nutrition optimization, exercise, and brain engagement activities
Prevention
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, but these reduce risk:
Exercise regularly (especially aerobic and resistance training)
Follow a brain-healthy diet, such as the MIND or Mediterranean diet
Manage blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure
Prioritize deep, quality sleep
Stay socially and mentally engaged
Avoid head trauma and wear seatbelts/helmets
Limit alcohol and quit smoking
Address depression or anxiety early
Our Take
Alzheimer’s is devastating, but we don’t believe in helplessness. The brain is metabolically active—what happens in the body affects what happens in the mind.
We focus on prevention, metabolic health, and caregiver empowerment. If you’ve noticed changes in memory or cognition, don’t wait.
Diagnosis is the first step toward planning, connection, and quality of life.
