Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of pathological amyloid-β plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, leading to synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss. Importantly, Alzheimer’s disease begins as a biological process long before clinical symptoms of dementia are evident. In its early stages — often referred to as preclinical Alzheimer’s disease — individuals may be asymptomatic or exhibit only subtle cognitive changes that do not meet the threshold for dementia. However, as the underlying pathology advances, it eventually disrupts cognitive domains critical for daily functioning, culminating in the clinical syndrome of dementia. Thus, while Alzheimer’s disease does not always manifest as dementia in its early phases, without intervention, its trajectory is invariably progressive and ultimately results in dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease does not initially present as dementia, but it progresses and invariably leads to dementia!
Dementia-friendly communities are essential for supporting individuals with dementia and their families.
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