Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Support

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurocognitive disorder and the leading cause of dementia, affecting millions of older adults and their families (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025). This blog provides an overview of Alzheimer’s disease, including its causes, symptoms, treatments, and strategies to enhance quality of life, with a focus on local resources in Orlando, Florida, for support.

Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, disrupting neuron communication and causing cell death in regions like the hippocampus and cortex (Breijyeh & Karaman, 2020). Although the precise etiology remains unclear, key risk factors include

Genetic Factors - Mutations in the APOE-e4 gene increase susceptibility, though not all cases are hereditary (Breijyeh & Karaman, 2020).

Age - Risk doubles every five years after age 65 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors - Head injuries, cardiovascular disease, and chronic stress may contribute (Breijyeh & Karaman, 2020).

Ongoing research highlights inflammation and vascular health as potential contributors to Alzheimer’s onset (Breijyeh & Karaman, 2020).

                                                    Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s symptoms progress through stages, significantly impairing daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013):

Early Stage - Mild memory loss (e.g., forgetting recent events), difficulty concentrating, and mood changes, such as depression.

Moderate Stage - Increased memory loss, difficulty recognizing loved ones, language challenges, and struggles with daily tasks like dressing.

Severe Stage - Loss of communication ability, inability to recognize family, and dependence on others for basic functions like eating.

These symptoms result from progressive damage to brain regions responsible for memory, language, and executive function (Porsteinsson & Isaacson, 2023).

Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease

No cure exists for Alzheimer’s, but treatments can manage symptoms and improve quality of life (Porsteinsson & Isaacson, 2023). Treatment options include:

Pharmacological Treatments:

Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) enhance acetylcholine levels, supporting memory in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s (Porsteinsson & Isaacson, 2023).

NMDA receptor antagonists (e.g., memantine) regulate glutamate activity in moderate to severe cases (Porsteinsson & Isaacson, 2023).

Anti-amyloid therapies (e.g., lecanemab) target amyloid plaques but remain under investigation (Breijyeh & Karaman, 2020).

Non-Pharmacological Treatments:

Cognitive stimulation therapy, such as puzzles, supports cognitive function (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).

Physical exercise, like walking, improves mood and health (Porsteinsson & Isaacson, 2023).

Music and art therapy reduce anxiety and enhance emotional well-being (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).

Combining these approaches can slow symptom progression and improve patient comfort (Porsteinsson & Isaacson, 2023).

Strategies to Promote Health and Well-Being

Proactive strategies can enhance quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers:

Supportive Environment: Simplify routines, label items, and install safety features like grab bars to reduce confusion and prevent falls (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).

Social Engagement: Participation in support groups or memory cafés fosters social connection, reducing loneliness (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).

Brain-Healthy Habits: A Mediterranean diet, 150 minutes of weekly exercise, and mental stimulation (e.g., reading) support cognitive and physical health (Breijyeh & Karaman, 2020).

Emotional Well-Being: Mindfulness, creative activities like painting, and validating emotions promote comfort and trust (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).

Caregiver Self-Care: Caregivers should prioritize respite care and support groups to prevent burnout, as caregiver health directly impacts care quality (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).

Local Resources for Alzheimer’s Support in Orlando, Florida

Orlando offers robust resources for Alzheimer’s support, providing caregiver assistance, education, and respite care:

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center (ADRC): A Central Florida nonprofit offering peer support groups, counseling, and educational workshops. Support groups meet at locations like AdventHealth Lake Mary Health Park and Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital. Virtual options are available (Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center, n.d.).

Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter: Serves Greater Orlando with support groups, educational programs, and events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Alzheimer’s Association, 2025).

Florida Department of Elder Affairs – Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI): Provides respite care for individuals 18+ with Alzheimer’s through in-home or facility-based services (Florida Department of Elder Affairs, n.d.).

Senior Resource Alliance: Connects caregivers to state programs, offering counseling and workshops like “Caregiving Matters” at Renaissance Senior Center (Senior Resource Alliance, n.d.).

Seniors First: Supports Orange and Seminole County seniors with services like SHINE for Medicare counseling (Seniors First, n.d.).

Jewish Family Services of Orlando: Provides counseling and transportation via the RIDE program (Jewish Family Services of Orlando, n.d.).

ITN Orlando: Offers affordable transportation for seniors in Central Florida (ITN Orlando, n.d.).

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease presents significant challenges, but understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments empowers individuals and families to navigate it with resilience. By adopting brain-healthy habits and leveraging Orlando’s robust support resources, those affected can maintain dignity and connection. Share this information to raise awareness and support the community.

 

References

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center. (n.d.). Services. https://adrccares.org/services/

Alzheimer’s Association. (2025). Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. https://www.alz.org

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Breijyeh, Z., & Karaman, R. (2020). Comprehensive review on Alzheimer’s disease: Causes and treatment. Molecules, 25(24), Article 5789. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245789

Florida Department of Elder Affairs. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI). https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/alzheimers-disease-initiative/

ITN Orlando. (n.d.). About us. https://www.itnorlando.org

Jewish Family Services of Orlando. (n.d.). Our services. https://www.jfsorlando.org

Porsteinsson, A. P., & Isaacson, R. S. (2023). Major neurocognitive disorder (dementia). In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557444/

Senior Resource Alliance. (n.d.). Programs and services. https://www.seniorresourcealliance.org

Seniors First. (n.d.). Our programs. https://www.seniorsfirst.org

Welcoming an Older Adult into Your Home: A Guide for Families

My Concerns and Family Structure

    The thought of my 78-year-old mother-in-law moving into my home long-term brings mixed feelings. My biggest concern is the potential loss of personal space. I live in a single-family home with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths (one room has been converted into a home office for my wife and her work) with my wife and one adult child, so adding another person could feel crowded and disrupt our routine. To accommodate my mother-in-law, we’d need to move her away from Cuba. She would obviously get the spare room that she resides in during her visits, and possibly “retrofit” the bathroom for her to make her routine easier. Everything else should be good to go to accommodate her, but living my family’s life around her schedule would be disruptive for sure. I am no expert in this situation, as my mother-in-law is the only person I can refer to, and she appears, in no way, to be slowing down. So, let’s take a deep dive into the situation.

 

Different Family Structures and Their Challenges

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and each structure impacts how an older adult integrates into the household. Here are three different family structures and their unique considerations.

Single-Parent Household - A single parent with young children might struggle with time management when adding an older adult. For example, balancing work, childcare, and the older adult’s medical appointments could be overwhelming. The parent may need to rely on community resources, like senior day programs, to provide care during work hours. A 2021 study in the Journal of Family Nursing (Brown et al., 2021) notes that single-parent caregivers report higher stress due to limited support networks.

Multigenerational Household - In a household with multiple generations already living together (e.g., parents, children, and grandparents), adding another older adult could strain space and resources. Cultural expectations, common in some communities, may ease emotional acceptance but complicate logistics, like ensuring private spaces. A 2023 article in The Gerontologist (Lee & Kim, 2023) highlights that multigenerational households benefit from clear role assignments to avoid conflict.

Empty-Nester Couple - A couple whose children have moved out might have more space but could face challenges adjusting to new routines. The older adult’s need for assistance might disrupt the couple’s newfound independence. The same 2023 study suggests that empty nesters often need to renegotiate household roles to accommodate an older adult’s preferences.

 

 

 

Key Considerations for All Families

Regardless of family structure, preparing for an older adult requires thoughtful planning. Drawing from Touhy & Jett (2022, p. 457), here are key issues to address, with practical strategies to bring them to life.

Questions to Ask

What are the older adult’s daily needs? For example, does your parent need help with meals or mobility? Meet with their doctor to understand medical requirements.

What are their preferences for privacy and social interaction? Discuss whether they want to join family meals or have quiet time.

Are there legal considerations? Consult resources like the National Institute on Aging for guidance on living wills or power of attorney.

Modifications to Make

Safety - Install grab bars, non-slip mats, and adequate lighting. For example, AgingInPlace.org offers a checklist for home modifications.

Space - Create a private area, even if it’s a corner with a curtain or room divider. For small homes, consider a Murphy bed to save space.

Accessibility - Ensure pathways are clear for walkers or wheelchairs. Remove rugs to prevent tripping.

Potential Areas of Conflict

Privacy - The older adult may feel like a guest or burden, while family members may resent shared spaces.

Role Changes - Family members might disagree on who handles caregiving tasks.

Lifestyle Differences - Differing schedules, like late-night TV watching, can cause tension.

Ways to Decrease Conflict

Respect Privacy - Install a lock on the older adult’s bedroom door or designate a private bathroom time slot.

Open Communication - Hold weekly family meetings to discuss schedules and responsibilities. Use a shared calendar app, like Google Calendar, to track appointments.

Recognize Microaggressions - Avoid dismissive comments like “You’re too old for that.” The National Center on Elder Abuse offers resources to identify and prevent subtle elder abuse.

Share Responsibilities - Create a chore chart to distribute tasks, ensuring no one feels overwhelmed.

Local Resources

To ease this transition, contact local services like.

Area Agency on Aging - Find local support at n4a.org for caregiving resources.

Eldercare Locator - Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov for home care services.

AARP Caregiving Support - Access guides at aarp.org/caregiving.

By planning, making thoughtful modifications, and fostering open communication, families can create a welcoming environment for an older adult. It’s about balancing everyone’s needs to build a harmonious home.

Reference

Brown, A., Smith, T., & Jones, R. (2021). Caregiving challenges in single-parent households. Journal of Family Nursing, 27(3), 210-219. https://doi.org/10.1177/10748407211023456

Lee, S., & Kim, H. (2023). Multigenerational living and elder care: Opportunities and challenges. The Gerontologist, 63(2), 345-354. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnac098

Touhy, T. A., & Jett, K. F. (2022). Ebersole & Hess' Toward Healthy Aging (10th ed.). Elsevier.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) supplements WHAT TO KNOW

 

Our bodies naturally change as we age, and these changes can be difficult to accept. Wrinkles, sagging skin, graying or thinning hair, decreased muscle tone, and changes in vision, memory, or joint flexibility are common changes in persons 65 and older. Some people welcome these changes as evidence of a life well lived, while others experience denial, anxiety, or gloom. It should come as no surprise that companies try to appeal to these feelings by marketing items that promise to halt or reverse aging, such as wrinkle treatments, hair dyes, memory aids, and cosmetic operations. Nevertheless, how can an older adult assess the effectiveness and safety of these products?

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) supplements are marketed as anti-aging miracles, claiming to boost energy, improve cognitive function, and slow physiological aging by increasing NAD+ levels, a molecule that supports cellular health. These supplements are widely available online, often with glowing testimonials from users who report feeling “younger” or “more vibrant.”

Examine the following to see if NMN supplements meet expectations:

Scientific Proof: Although there are few human trials, a 2021 peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Nutrition revealed that NMN supplementation enhanced NAD+ levels and a few age-related indicators in mice. According to a 2023 study published in Aging Cell, older persons receiving NMN experienced mild increases in muscle function; however, no discernible changes in longevity or cognition were found. Claims of "reversing aging" still require extensive, protracted human testing.

Adverse Reactions: Headaches, moderate nausea, and digestive problems are among the reported side effects. However, because NMN is a relatively new product, there is a lack of long-term safety evidence.

    Customer complaints: Mixed experiences are revealed by online reviews on retail platforms. While some users complain about excessive expenditures (often $50 to $100/month) with no apparent advantages, others report no changes at all.

How to Verify Claims

Look for research that has been peer-reviewed: Instead of depending on commercial websites, look for studies in credible publications (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar). Testimonials are not subject to the same level of examination as peer-reviewed articles.

Consult with the FDA: Since NMN supplements are categorized as dietary supplements rather than medications, the FDA does not need to approve them before they can be sold. Although there is little regulation, the FDA controls labeling to make sure promises aren't deceptive. For information on any recalls or warnings, visit the FDA's website at www.fda.gov.

Report Issues: To assist in monitoring safety concerns, report any adverse effects you encounter using the FDA's MedWatch system (www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch).

Testimonials versus Research

Similar to product websites, testimonials are first-person accounts that may be interesting but lack scientific validity. They could not accurately represent usual outcomes because they are frequently chosen to emphasize good experiences. However, research consists of controlled studies that are published in peer-reviewed publications and have quantifiable results.

To distinguish:

Anecdotal, emotional, and frequently lacking facts are testimonials (e.g., “I feel 10 years younger!”).

Data-driven research with clear procedures and outcomes (e.g., "NMN increased NAD+ levels by 20% in a 12-week trial").

Research should always come before testimonies.

The 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) governs dietary supplements like NMN in the United States. Supplements are not pre-approved by the FDA, but manufacturers are responsible for ensuring safety and correct labeling. The FTC has taken action against claims like "reverses aging," which could be marked as misleading if they are not supported by evidence.

According to available data, NMN supplements appear to be beneficial in animal research, however there is little information on humans. Although they might provide slight improvements in energy or muscle function, claims that they can reverse aging are overblown. Prior to beginning NMN, speak with your doctor because interactions may occur, particularly if you are taking other drugs. Think about lifestyle modifications that have more evidence to encourage healthy aging, such as exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.

Nurses are essential to help older folks understand anti-aging products and help them make wise decisions.

       Educate: Describe the distinction between scientific proof and marketing claims.

Encourage Positive Coping Mechanisms: Recognize concerns about aging and promote healthy coping mechanisms, such as emphasizing general health over beauty.

Improve well-being, advocate for evidence-based practices like routine checkups and physical activity.

Through critical evaluation of items such as NMN supplements and professional advice, you may make decisions that promote your well-being and health as you age.

References

Niu, K.-M., Bao, T., Gao, L., Ru, M., Li, Y., Jiang, L., Ye, C., Wang, S., & Wu, X. (2021). The impacts of short-term NMN supplementation on serum metabolism, fecal microbiota, and telomere length in pre-aging phase. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, Article 756243. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.756243[](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.756243/full)

 

Yi, L., Maier, A. B., Tao, R., Lin, Z., Vaidya, A., Pendse, S., Thasma, S., Andhalkar, N., Avhad, G., & Kumbhar, V. (2023). The efficacy and safety of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent clinical trial. GeroScience, 45(1), 29–43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-022-00705-1[](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9735188/)