Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and can gradually affect memory, thinking, behaviour, communication and the ability to manage everyday activities. While it is more common in older adults, Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of ageing.

In Australia, dementia affects hundreds of thousands of people and also has a significant impact on families, friends and carers. In 2026, an estimated 446,500 Australians are living with dementia, while around 29,000 people are living with young onset dementia, diagnosed between the ages of 18 and 65.

Recognising changes early, discussing concerns with a GP and receiving appropriate assessment can help people understand what is happening and plan suitable care and support.

At Dockside Medical Hub in Kangaroo Point, our GPs provide general practice, preventive healthcare, chronic disease management and ongoing health support for individuals and families.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects the brain. It can cause gradual changes in:

• Memory
• Thinking and reasoning
• Language
• Behaviour
• Decision-making
• Ability to complete everyday activities

Healthdirect reports that about 6 in 10 people living with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease. The condition usually develops gradually, and symptoms can become more noticeable as the disease progresses.

Dementia is a broad term used to describe symptoms caused by several different conditions. Alzheimer’s disease is one form of dementia, alongside conditions such as vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body disease.

Is Alzheimer’s Disease a Normal Part of Ageing?

No.

Some changes in memory can happen as people get older. For example, occasionally forgetting a name and remembering it later may not necessarily indicate dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease involves more significant and progressive changes that begin to interfere with everyday life.

A person may repeatedly forget recent conversations, struggle to complete familiar tasks, have difficulty finding everyday words or become confused about places and time.

If memory or thinking changes are becoming noticeable or affecting daily activities, speaking with a GP is an appropriate next step.

Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Early symptoms can sometimes be subtle and may initially be mistaken for normal ageing.

Common early symptoms can include:

Memory Problems

A person may have increasing difficulty remembering recent conversations, events or information.

They may ask the same questions repeatedly or forget information they were recently told.

Difficulty Finding Words

Someone may struggle to find familiar words during conversations or have increasing difficulty following or expressing ideas.

Problems Completing Familiar Tasks

Everyday activities that were previously easy may take longer or become more difficult.

Changes in Planning and Problem-Solving

A person may experience difficulty organising activities, managing finances, making decisions or solving familiar problems.

Losing Track of Time or Place

Confusion about dates, locations or familiar surroundings can occur.

Reduced Interest in Activities

A person may lose interest in hobbies, social activities or things they previously enjoyed.

Changes in Behaviour or Mood

Changes in personality, emotional responses or behaviour can sometimes accompany cognitive changes.

These symptoms do not automatically mean someone has Alzheimer’s disease. Other health conditions can also affect memory and thinking, which is why proper medical assessment is important.

How Does Alzheimer’s Disease Progress?

Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, meaning symptoms generally become more significant over time. However, the speed and pattern of progression can differ between individuals.

In the earlier stages, a person may still manage most daily activities independently but experience noticeable memory or thinking difficulties.

As the condition progresses, they may require increasing assistance with:

• Personal care
• Communication
• Managing medications
• Finances
• Preparing meals
• Getting around safely
• Other everyday activities

In advanced stages, people may require substantial or full-time care and support.

Early assessment can help individuals and families understand the condition and plan for future healthcare and support needs.

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?

There is no single cause of Alzheimer’s disease.

The condition is associated with changes in the brain, including the accumulation of abnormal proteins such as amyloid and tau. However, the exact reasons why Alzheimer’s develops can vary between individuals.

Some risk factors cannot be changed, including:

• Age
• Family history
• Certain genetic factors

Other factors affecting overall brain and cardiovascular health may also influence dementia risk.

Young Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease can also occur in younger people.

Young onset dementia refers to dementia diagnosed in someone younger than 65. It is not a separate type of dementia. A person can have young onset Alzheimer’s disease, young onset vascular dementia or another form of dementia.

Dementia Australia estimates that around 29,000 Australians are living with young onset dementia in 2026.

Because dementia is often associated with older age, cognitive changes in younger adults may sometimes be overlooked or attributed to stress, depression or other causes.

Persistent changes in memory, thinking, communication or behaviour should be discussed with a GP regardless of age.

When Should You See a GP?

You should consider speaking with your GP if you or someone close to you experiences persistent changes in:

• Memory
• Concentration
• Communication
• Decision-making
• Behaviour
• Ability to complete familiar activities

You should also seek medical advice if memory problems are affecting work, relationships, finances, driving or everyday independence.

Early assessment does not necessarily mean that Alzheimer’s disease will be diagnosed. Memory and thinking difficulties can have several possible causes, and a GP can help determine whether further investigation is appropriate.

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

There is no single test that can confirm Alzheimer’s disease.

A GP will generally begin by discussing the symptoms, medical history and changes noticed by the person or their family.

Assessment may include:

Medical History

Your GP may ask about:

• When symptoms began
• How symptoms have changed
• Existing health conditions
• Medicines and supplements
• Family history
• Lifestyle factors
• Changes in daily activities

Cognitive Assessment

Tests may be used to assess areas such as memory, thinking, language and problem-solving.

Physical and Neurological Examination

A physical or neurological assessment may help identify other possible causes of cognitive symptoms.

Blood or Urine Tests

These may be used to investigate other conditions that can contribute to memory or thinking problems.

Brain Imaging

Depending on the situation, a doctor may recommend CT, MRI or other imaging.

Specialist assessment may also be recommended where appropriate.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Getting an early diagnosis can help a person and their family understand the cause of their symptoms and consider appropriate treatment and support.

It can also provide time to discuss:

• Future healthcare preferences
• Support requirements
• Lifestyle changes
• Safety concerns
• Driving
• Financial and legal planning
• Care arrangements

Healthdirect notes that early diagnosis can help with managing symptoms and planning for future needs.

Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?

There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

However, maintaining good overall brain and cardiovascular health may help reduce the risk of dementia.

Healthdirect recommends focusing on factors such as:

• Regular physical activity
• A balanced diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol
• Managing high blood pressure
• Managing diabetes
• Managing cholesterol
• Staying socially connected
• Keeping the brain active
• Protecting the head from injury
• Addressing hearing and vision problems

Not every case of Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented, particularly when genetic or other non-modifiable factors are involved.

Treatment and Management of Alzheimer’s Disease

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, treatment and supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Management may involve:

• Medicines prescribed according to individual circumstances
• Regular medical reviews
• Management of other health conditions
• Physical activity
• Healthy nutrition
• Social connection
• Cognitive and meaningful activities
• Safety planning
• Support for family members and carers

Treatment needs can change as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, so ongoing medical care is important.

Supporting Someone With Alzheimer’s Disease

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can affect the whole family.

Family members and carers may help by:

• Keeping daily routines familiar
• Using clear and simple communication
• Allowing extra time for tasks
• Helping with appointments and medications
• Making the home environment safer
• Encouraging social connection
• Supporting healthy activities
• Planning ahead for future care

It is also important for carers to look after their own health and wellbeing. Caring responsibilities can become demanding as dementia progresses, and support may be needed.

Dementia Australia provides information and support through its National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Alzheimer’s Disease and Overall Health

People living with Alzheimer’s disease may also have other health conditions that require regular management.

Managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol remains important.

Regular GP care can help monitor overall health, review medicines and identify new health concerns.

This broader approach is particularly important because Alzheimer’s disease can affect a person's ability to recognise symptoms, manage medications or attend healthcare appointments independently.

Alzheimer’s Disease Care at Dockside Medical Hub

At Dockside Medical Hub in Kangaroo Point, our GPs provide comprehensive general practice and preventive healthcare for individuals and families. The practice also provides chronic disease management, women's health, men's health, children's health, mental health, travel health and other GP services.

If you or someone close to you has noticed ongoing changes in memory, thinking or behaviour, a GP consultation can be an appropriate starting point.

Our doctors can discuss your concerns, review your medical history, assess symptoms and determine whether further investigations or specialist referral may be appropriate.

The aim is to provide personalised care while supporting patients and families through changing healthcare needs.

Take Memory Changes Seriously

Occasional forgetfulness does not automatically mean Alzheimer’s disease. However, persistent or progressive changes in memory, thinking, communication or everyday functioning should not simply be dismissed as ageing.

An early conversation with a GP can help identify possible causes, arrange appropriate assessment and provide guidance about the next steps.

If you are concerned about memory changes in yourself or a family member, speak with a GP at Dockside Medical Hub in Kangaroo Point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease?

Early signs can include difficulty remembering recent events, finding familiar words, completing everyday tasks, planning activities and becoming confused about time or place.

Is Alzheimer’s disease the same as dementia?

No. Dementia is a broad term describing a group of symptoms caused by different conditions. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

Is Alzheimer’s disease a normal part of ageing?

No. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of ageing. While some minor memory changes can occur with age, progressive cognitive changes affecting everyday life should be assessed by a doctor.

Can a GP diagnose Alzheimer’s disease?

A GP can begin the assessment by discussing symptoms, medical history and performing appropriate examinations and tests. Further cognitive assessment, imaging or specialist referral may be required because there is no single test that confirms Alzheimer’s disease.

Can Alzheimer’s disease occur in younger adults?

Yes. Alzheimer’s disease can occur before the age of 65. Dementia diagnosed in this age group is generally described as young onset dementia.

Can lifestyle changes reduce Alzheimer’s risk?

Some lifestyle and health factors are associated with dementia risk. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol and managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol may help reduce risk.

Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?

There is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment and supportive care can help manage symptoms and support quality of life.

When should I see a GP about memory loss?

If memory or thinking changes are persistent, worsening or beginning to affect everyday activities, it is sensible to discuss them with a GP. Early assessment can help identify possible causes and guide appropriate care.

Where can I get Alzheimer’s disease support in Kangaroo Point?

Dockside Medical Hub provides general practice and ongoing health support in Kangaroo Point. The medical centre is located at 3/35 Ferry Street, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169.