The Basics
What is the most common form of dementia?
Clue: It begins with an “A” and affects memory over time.
Alzheimer’s disease
What part of the brain is most affected early in Alzheimer’s?
Clue: It sounds like something you’d find on a college campus.
The hippocampus
What common symptom involves misplacing objects or forgetting names?
Clue: It’s the most well-known early sign of Alzheimer’s.
Memory loss
What types of tasks become harder, such as making a grocery list or cooking?
Clue: Think of your daily to-do list.
Routine or familiar daily tasks
What type of exercise is often recommended to reduce Alzheimer’s risk?
Clue: It gets your heart rate up but doesn’t need a gym.
Aerobic exercise (like walking or swimming)
What does it mean when we say Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease?
Clue: It doesn’t stay the same—it moves in one direction.
It gets worse over time
What are the sticky clumps found between brain cells in Alzheimer’s?
Clue: They’re made of beta-amyloid protein.
Amyloid plaques
Why might someone ask the same question multiple times in a day?
Clue: It's related to recent events or conversations.
They are experiencing short-term memory loss
What is it called when someone forgets familiar places and gets lost?
Clue: Think of losing your internal compass.
Disorientation
What are studies involving volunteers to test new Alzheimer’s treatments called?
Clue: You often need informed consent to participate.
Clinical trials
Why are women more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men?
Clue: It’s not about hormones; it’s about time.
Because women tend to live longer
What twisted protein is found inside brain cells of people with Alzheimer’s?
Clue: Think of tangles made of tau.
Tau tangles
What symptom affects the ability to find words or follow conversations?
Clue: It affects how we speak or understand speech.
Language problems
What late-day behavior causes confusion or agitation in Alzheimer’s patients?
Clue: It’s named after a time of day.
Sundowning
What diet is a mix of Mediterranean and DASH, focused on brain health?
Clue: It’s a combo of Mediterranean and DASH.
The MIND diet
What makes Alzheimer’s memory loss different from normal aging?
Clue: Everyone forgets once in a while—but this is consistent and serious.
The memory loss is persistent and disrupts daily life
What brain cells are responsible for communication and are damaged in Alzheimer’s?
Clue: They’re the messengers of the brain.
Neurons
What is it called when someone accuses others of stealing things they lost?
Clue: It’s a type of false belief or fear.
Paranoia or suspicion
What basic needs might someone need help with as Alzheimer’s progresses?
Clue: Often abbreviated as “ADLs.”
Activities of daily living (ADLs) like eating, bathing, dressing
What type of research looks at inherited risk for Alzheimer’s?
Clue: It starts with a “G” and looks at your DNA.
Genetic research
What type of Alzheimer’s develops before age 65?
Clue: It’s rare but more aggressive.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s
What brain chemical is greatly reduced in people with Alzheimer’s?
Clue: Sounds like “acetone” but isn’t nail polish remover.
Acetylcholine
What is the term for losing interest in things once enjoyed?
Clue: It’s more than sadness—it’s lack of interest.
Apathy
What environment often needs changes to improve Alzheimer’s safety?
Clue: It’s where you live.
The home
What midlife condition increases the risk of Alzheimer’s if left untreated?
Clue: You check it at the doctor with a cuff.
High blood pressure (hypertension)