As World Alzheimer's Month approaches in September, two leading dementia experts have outlined the key symptoms to watch for, how they may differ between men and women, and practical ways to offer support. The guidance comes as Alzheimer's remains the most widespread form of dementia, yet many people still misunderstand its early warning signs and overall impact.
Understanding Alzheimer's vs dementia
Professor Arshad Rather, consultant geriatrician at Medical Express Clinic, stressed that people often confuse Alzheimer's disease with dementia, though they are distinct. "Dementia is an umbrella term. It's a group of diseases that have one thing in common – that is problem with the cognition. That problem with the cognition is progressive and, over time, it affects your ability to look after yourself and, ultimately, you die because of the complications. That's dementia," he explained.
"Now, dementia is caused by different diseases. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's, followed by vascular dementia... and there are lots of other causes of dementia. It's not a single disease that causes dementia but, by far, the most common cause is Alzheimer's."
Prof Rather emphasised that dementia is never a standard part of the ageing process, even though growing older increases overall risk. While most people slow down as the years pass, specific cognitive warning flags should never be dismissed. According to specialist dementia nursing charity Dementia UK, the condition is caused by a protein build-up in the brain that blocks normal communication between cells.
Key symptoms to watch for
Dementia UK notes that short-term memory loss is typically the earliest noticeable sign of Alzheimer's disease. As the condition reaches middle and later stages, individuals may suffer from disorientation, confusion, speech difficulties, hallucinations, delusions, reduced mobility, and incontinence.
Hannah Gardner, consultant admiral nurse for children and young people at Dementia UK, pointed out that symptoms vary greatly between individuals. "It can cause confusion, disorientation, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty in planning and making decisions as well, and it can affect confidence and anxiety," she said.
"It's not a normal process of ageing; it impacts the person individually. The classic is that short-term memory issue, but it's not just a memory issue. It impacts every aspect of their life. I think people think, 'Oh, it's just a memory problem, that's all', but actually, it impacts planning, confidence, self-awareness, remembering, appointments, paying bills, remembering a PIN number as well. People do put it down to just getting old, but it's actually a disease of the brain."
Gender differences and risk factors
Gardner explained that women face a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's, whereas men are more prone to vascular dementia. However, she believes variations in how symptoms present depend primarily on the individual rather than their sex.
"Women are living longer, so they are more likely to develop dementia because we have medicines for other diseases," she said. "I think social isolation, depression and loneliness can impact the chances of developing dementia in women. Women are more likely to be carers as well – that can cause extra stress. I think it's all down to the individual person. I think dementia affects people individually."
She noted that women might visit their GP more readily than men, potentially influencing official diagnosis figures. She urges anyone noticing potential signs to seek prompt medical guidance and support. Prof Rather added: "The symptoms differ depending on the type of dementia, not necessarily with men and women."
Treatment and support strategies
Although no cure exists, medications can help manage symptoms, alongside cognitive therapies, social activities, and reminiscence sessions. Prof Rather clarified that current drugs do not turn back the clock, but tailored care depends more on dementia type than gender. "The drugs we have, they help with preserving some memory, and they help with behaviour, but they don't reverse anything – and this is mainly for Alzheimer's. But there is hope that, with the researchers in the next two or three years, we might have better drugs," he said.
Prof Rather highlighted the immense value of regular social interaction and stimulating activities, combined with healthy habits like a balanced diet. Staying connected helps keep minds active, elevates mood, and fights off feelings of isolation. "I think it's important to have social interactions and meaningful conversations with patients who have dementia. Socialising is important – it helps keep the brain active, improves mood, reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation – and regular social interactions can stimulate memory and language," he said.
"You have to understand, dementia is not only about memory. Their language gets affected, their communication skills get affected, their ability to look after themselves, their behaviour gets affected. So, these things help. It helps with their confidence, their independence, they get a sense of identity, (and) spending time with family, friends or community groups (is important)."
Gardner stressed that carers must seek support for themselves too, remembering that Alzheimer's affects young people and whole families. Above all, she reminded everyone that individuals living with dementia remain the same person deep down. "I think it's about educating yourself about the disease and looking at the symptoms, and also really remembering that they are still the person," she said. "It's all about that history and that communication, how you still engage with the person. Often, people get labelled with a diagnosis, but they are still that person."
