Memory Matters: Understanding Alzheimer’s and How We Can Help

“Alzheimer’s is the cleverest thief, because it not only steals from you – it steals the very thing you need to remember what’s been stolen.” – Jarod Kintz

Imagine waking up one day and not recognizing the face beside you. Or forgetting the name of your own child. Or getting lost on the street you’ve lived on for decades.

For millions of people living with Alzheimer’s, this isn’t fantasy – it’s daily life.

Alzheimer’s disease is more than just memory loss. It’s a brain condition that slowly chips away at a person’s ability to think, remember, and function. It steals words mid-sentence, turns familiar faces into strangers, and makes even the simplest tasks – like tying a shoelace or making breakfast – feel impossible. It doesn’t just affect the individual; it touches everyone around them – families, friends, neighbors, and caregivers.

Yet despite how common and devastating it is, Alzheimer’s remains one of the most misunderstood diseases.

So, let’s take a moment to truly understand what it is, who it affects, and how we can be part of the solution.

What Exactly is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia – a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. But while “dementia” is a general term, Alzheimer’s is a specific, progressive disease that slowly destroys brain cells over time.

Early on, it might show up as a few missed appointments or forgotten names. Over months and years, it becomes harder to follow conversations, recognize loved ones, or even remember how to eat or speak. Eventually, the disease interferes so deeply with the brain’s functions that independent living is no longer possible.

It’s important to remember: Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. While we all forget things from time to time, Alzheimer’s causes a level of memory loss and confusion that goes far beyond occasional forgetfulness.

What’s Happening in the Brain?

Think of your brain as a bustling city, with neurons (brain cells) sending messages back and forth, keeping everything running smoothly. In a person with Alzheimer’s, two key things go wrong:

Sticky clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid start to build up between brain cells, blocking their ability to communicate. Inside the cells, another protein called tau forms tangles that disrupt the brain’s internal transport system. As these plaques and tangles spread, the brain’s communication network collapses. Cells die, the brain shrinks, and essential functions – like memory, reasoning, and movement – start to fail.

This has been the most recent theory behind Alzheimer’s. BUT, analyses of the research done on beta-amyloid has shown that removing the amyloid does not necessarily make people better. There are multiple factors and Alzheimer’s is not just a beta-amyloid disease.   

Who’s Most at Risk?

Age is the biggest risk factor – most people diagnosed are over 65. But Alzheimer’s isn’t just about getting older. Genetics play a role, especially a gene called APOE4, which can increase your chances. People with a family history of the disease, a history of head injuries, or conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity may also be more vulnerable.

Lifestyle Matters! The #1 contributor to cognitive decline is INSULIN RESISTANCE. So, preventing diabetes is critical for your brain health.

Studies show that factors like poor sleep, social isolation, smoking, and chronic stress can contribute to cognitive decline. The silver lining? Many of these can be addressed – and that means we have more power than we might think.

What Are the Early Signs?

Alzheimer’s doesn’t arrive all at once – it creeps in quietly. You might notice someone asking the same question multiple times, misplacing items in strange places (like the remote in the fridge), or struggling with time and direction. They may become withdrawn, anxious, or irritable. A once-social person might pull back, confused and scared by the changes they feel but can’t explain.

It’s easy to dismiss these early signs as “just getting older,” but early detection matters. It opens the door to treatments, support systems, and planning.

What Can You Do to Help?

If someone you care about is living with Alzheimer’s, you don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is showing up with patience, love, and empathy. People with Alzheimer’s may not always remember what you said – but they’ll remember how you made them feel.

Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and don’t correct every mistake. Let them finish their thoughts, even if they wander. Routines and familiar environments can offer comfort, so try to maintain consistency. And above all, be kind. This disease can be frightening – for them and for you.

Don’t forget the caregivers either. They often carry the emotional and physical weight of the disease alone. A kind word, a home-cooked meal, or even an hour of respite can make a world of difference.

And if you’re unsure where to start, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900. Help is always just a phone call away.

Can Alzheimer’s Be Prevented?

While we may not be able to completely prevent Alzheimer’s, research shows that a brain-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk or delay its onset.  

According to Dr. Dale Bredesen, an expert in neurodegenerative diseases and the author of The End of Alzheimer’s: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline, there are three major factors contributing to Alzheimer’s:

1. Mitochondrial function – Mitochondria are the power plants of our cells. Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Neurodegenerative Diseases… there are so many chronic illnesses tied to poor mitochondrial function.  Here’s how to power up the mitochondria: https://community.wholistics.health/powering-your-powerhouses-fighting-mitochondrial-dysfunction/
2. Inflammation – any inflammation on the brain resulting from gingivitis, Covid, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Here are ways to reduce it: https://community.wholistics.health/inflammation-and-how-to-reduce-it-with-9-super-herbs/
3. Toxicity – pollution from air and water, microplastics, ultra processed foods. Here are some useful detox strategies: https://community.wholistics.health/natural-detoxification-strategies/

Also, as discussed on our previous blog, some ways to keep thinking sharp and the brain active include getting regular exercise; eating a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, berries, and fish; staying socially connected; learning new things; managing stress; getting good sleep; and keeping chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes in check.

Think of it as brain insurance. The small choices you make today may help preserve your mental clarity tomorrow.

This June: Start the Conversation

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a special time dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. During this month, people all over the world wear purple to show solidarity and spread awareness about the disease. It’s a simple act, but one that helps spark conversations and bring attention to the cause.

You can also participate by sharing your own story or listening to someone else’s. If you’re able to, consider donating to Alzheimer’s research or organizations that support people living with the disease. Even if you’re not personally affected, your actions can help others who are.

Every conversation you have, every effort you make, plays a part in reducing the stigma around Alzheimer’s. And each small step we take gets us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.

Final Thoughts

Alzheimer’s is a cruel thief, silently stealing memories and pieces of a person’s identity. But it can never erase the heart, the spirit, or the love that defines them. Behind every diagnosis is a lifetime of stories, laughter, struggles, and triumphs – memories that are worth cherishing, even if they fade from the surface.

When we take the time to listen, to learn, and to show up for those affected, we remind them that they are seen, that they matter. And we send a message to those living with Alzheimer’s: You are not forgotten.

Because memory matters.
Because people matter.
And because love endures, even through the haze of Alzheimer’s.