About Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults

Symptoms of dementia Stages of Alzheimer’s disease Living with Alzheimer’s disease

You might be wondering: is Alzheimer’s disease the same thing as Alzheimer’s dementia (duh-MEN-shuh)? You may have come across different terms in what you’ve read, and even in your conversations with doctors. Here is some helpful information about Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Sometimes, it’s referred to as “Alzheimer’s dementia.”

“Dementia” is the term used to describe conditions caused by changes in the brain that affect memory and thinking. These changes can impact daily life by causing:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty planning or solving problems
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Misplacing objects and difficulty retracing steps
  • Poor judgment or problems with decision-making
  • New problems with communication (for example, recalling words)
  • Changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities
  • Vision problems that cause balance issues, trouble reading, and judging distances

It’s important to note that if a person is experiencing one or any of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have Alzheimer’s disease.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But the symptoms of dementia—including those that affect memory and thinking—can be managed with treatment.

Learn more about a treatment option

Always talk with a doctor if you have concerns about your or your loved one’s behavior.

Stages of Alzheimer’s disease

In general, there are 3 stages of Alzheimer’s disease: mild, moderate, and severe. Everyone experiences Alzheimer’s disease differently. As it progresses, symptoms can change. You can explore some of the symptoms, and when you may notice them, in the table below.

It’s important to note that any symptom can occur at any stage. It is not possible to predict which symptoms will appear when, or if they’ll appear at all.

Mild
(early)

Moderate
(middle)

Severe
(late)

Symptoms may seem minor and may be mistaken for normal effects of aging. People may have trouble:

  • Remembering names
  • Recalling words
  • Keeping track of valuable objects

Symptoms may have a greater impact on daily life. People may have trouble:

  • Remembering events
  • Recalling personal history or information (for example, where they went to college, their address)

Symptoms may require round-the-clock care. People may have trouble:

  • Explaining their needs
  • Knowing things like where they are or the day of the week

Alzheimer’s disease symptoms change over time, and can vary from person to person.

Living with Alzheimer’s disease

An Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis can be difficult to receive. You will probably experience a range of emotions, and at times, not know where to turn.

Here are a few tips:

Ask your doctor for advice about living with Alzheimer’s disease.

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Open up (when you, or your loved one, feels comfortable)

Talking about the diagnosis can help everyone involved, whether you’re the person who was diagnosed, a family member, or a friend.

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When possible, live in the moment

Try to cherish the special moments that may be happening right now. If you take pictures, consider printing some for scrapbooking. This can help everyone appreciate the good times.

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Create a care team

Make sure that your doctor is aware of concerns you may have, both at diagnosis and as time goes on. Family and friends can have important roles, too. Consider who can support you best—that might mean helping with treatment, or simply being there to remind you that you’re not alone.

Ask your doctor for advice about living with Alzheimer’s disease.

FDA-approved ADLARITY® is the first and only once-weekly donepezil transdermal system for Alzheimer’s dementia

Discover ADLARITY

What is ADLARITY used for?

ADLARITY is used to treat mild, moderate, or severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not take ADLARITY?

Do not take ADLARITY if you:

  • Are allergic to donepezil, certain medications called piperidine derivatives, or any of the ingredients in ADLARITY
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What is ADLARITY used for?

ADLARITY is used to treat mild, moderate, or severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not take ADLARITY?

Do not take ADLARITY if you:

  • Are allergic to donepezil, certain medications called piperidine derivatives, or any of the ingredients in ADLARITY
  • Have a history of a skin reaction called allergic contact dermatitis to ADLARITY
What Warnings should I know about ADLARITY?
  • Some people experienced skin reactions that include redness and itching at the application site when using ADLARITY. Stop using ADLARITY and call your healthcare provider if you experience skin reactions that do not improve within 48 hours after the transdermal system is removed. Skin reactions include increased redness or swelling, peeling or blistering of the skin, or spreading beyond the application site.
  • The class of medicine that includes ADLARITY may cause slow heartbeat and fainting. Call your doctor right away if you feel faint or lightheaded while using ADLARITY.
  • Donepezil, the active ingredient in ADLARITY, may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In most cases these effects have been transient, although some cases lasted 1 to 3 weeks.
  • The class of medicine that includes ADLARITY may cause more stomach acid. This increases the chance of ulcers and bleeding. The risk is higher for people who have had ulcers or take NSAIDs. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have heartburn or stomach pain that is new or does not go away, blood in your vomit, dark vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or bowel movements or stools that look like black tar.
  • Although not observed in clinical trials of ADLARITY, problems passing urine may occur.
  • The class of medicine that includes ADLARITY are believed to have some potential to cause seizures. However, seizures may also be caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
  • The class of medicine that includes ADLARITY may cause worsening of lung problems in people with asthma or other lung disease.
What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell your doctor about all of your present or past health conditions, including:

  • Any heart problems, including problems with irregular, slow, or fast heartbeats
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Problems passing urine
  • Seizures
  • Asthma or lung problems
  • Pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ADLARITY can harm an unborn baby
  • Breast-feeding. It is not known if donepezil passes into breast milk
  • A previous skin reaction to the ADLARITY patch

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. ADLARITY and other medicines may affect each other when used at the same time. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Tell your healthcare provider or dentist that you use the ADLARITY transdermal system before you have surgery, medical procedures, or dental surgery or procedures.

What are the side effects of ADLARITY?

The most common side effects of ADLARITY (>3%) were headache (15%), application site itching (9%), muscle spasms (9%), sleeplessness (7%), abdominal pain (5%), application site skin irritation (6%), constipation (5%), diarrhea (4%), application site pain (4%), dizziness (4%), abnormal dreams (4%), and skin tearing (4%).

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/MedWatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.

Please click here for Full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.