Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is a progressive brain

disorder associated with the buildup of abnormal amyloid and tau proteins that damage

nerve cells. Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) can affect memory,

judgment, mobility, balance, and everyday independence, often beginning years before

symptoms become noticeable.

“One of the most important things to understand about AD/ADRD is that it affects more than memory,” explains Deborah Jehu, PhD. “It can change how someone plans, makes decisions, moves through their environment, and completes tasks they have performed independently for years.”

Recognizing the Early Signs

Early symptoms may include repeatedly asking the same questions, forgetting recently

learned information, misplacing items, struggling to find words, or having difficulty

managing finances and appointments. Someone may also become confused in familiar

places, struggle to follow a recipe, or find it increasingly difficult to organize multistep

activities.

AD/ADRD progression is variable, and cognitive and functional abilities may fluctuate

from day to day. Individuals may require intermittent reminders or assistance with tasks

such as meal preparation and medication management. Persistent changes in daily

functioning warrant clinical evaluation but do not necessarily indicate AD/ADRD.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing AD/ADRD typically involves reviewing medical history, assessing memory

and thinking, evaluating daily functioning and conducting physical and neurological

examinations. Clinicians may order laboratory tests to identify other causes of cognitive

changes, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies. Brain imaging and, when

appropriate, blood-based biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid testing, or amyloid PET scans

can help clarify the diagnosis.

There is currently no cure for AD/ADRD, but treatments can help manage symptoms or

slow disease progression in some people. Medications such as donepezil and

memantine may help manage cognitive symptoms, while certain anti-amyloid therapies

may slow decline in eligible patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment

decisions require individualized assessment of potential benefits, risks, and monitoring

needs.

Preserving Mobility and Independence

Dr. Jehu emphasizes that comprehensive AD/ADRD care must address physical

function alongside cognitive health. People with AD/ADRD can be up to twice as likely

to fall as cognitively healthy older adults. As the condition progresses, changes in

balance, gait, coordination, and judgment can increase fall risk, potentially leading to

injuries, reduced mobility, and loss of independence. These challenges make routine

mobility assessments and early rehabilitation particularly important.

Physical and occupational therapists can recommend individualized strength and

balance exercises, adapt activities, and identify environmental hazards. Caregivers can

also support independence through consistent routines, familiar surroundings, simple

instructions, medication reminders, and visual cues.

“Supporting independence means recognizing what a person can still do and providing just enough assistance to help them succeed safely,” says Jehu. “The goal is not simply to prevent accidents, but to preserve dignity, autonomy, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.”

Technology may also help through timely reminders, medication prompts and task-by-

task guidance. However, these tools should complement, not replace, human

connection, professional care and appropriate supervision.

Looking Ahead

Early recognition, personalized treatment, physical activity, and coordinated support can

help people living with AD/ADRD maintain function and quality of life. Dr. Jehu

underscores the need for research that evaluates practical, dementia-specific

interventions to preserve mobility, prevent falls and reduce caregiver burden.

Ultimately, successful AD/ADRD care should be measured not only by changes in

memory, but also by a person’s ability to remain safe, active, connected, and as

independent as possible throughout the course of the disease.

If you're interested in speaking with Dr. Jehu about Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia and the research taking place at Augusta University – contact AU's External Communications Team mediarelations@augusta.edu to arrange an interview today.