24-hour senior care at home in Switzerland

Alzheimer’s: symptoms, progression and care at home

Guidance for people living with Alzheimer’s and their families – clear and compassionate.

Member of:

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It causes nerve cells in the brain to die off gradually, so that memory, thinking and orientation steadily decline. This guide explains the symptoms, how the disease progresses and the care options available. It is no substitute for a medical diagnosis, but it offers clear guidance.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

In Alzheimer’s disease, structures in the brain change, disrupting communication between nerve cells and causing them to die. The disease usually begins gradually and progresses over several years. Alzheimer’s is one of several types of dementia: every case of Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, but not every dementia is Alzheimer’s. You will find an overview of the other types in our guide to dementia.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Typical symptoms develop slowly and become more pronounced over time:

  • Increasing forgetfulness, especially about recent events

  • Difficulty finding words and other language problems

  • Disorientation in time and place, and later also not recognising people

  • Difficulty with everyday tasks and with planning

  • Changes in mood, motivation and personality

You can read more about this under Symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Only a medical assessment (by your GP or at a memory clinic) can provide a reliable diagnosis.

Progression and stages

Alzheimer’s is progressive and develops differently in each person. In the early stage, everyday life is still largely manageable with support; in the middle stage, the need for help increases considerably; in the late stage, comprehensive support is required. The pace and severity vary from person to person – there is no typical duration that applies to everyone.

Alzheimer’s care at home

Familiar surroundings, clear routines and dependable people around them give people with Alzheimer’s a sense of security. 24-hour care at home makes exactly that possible: a caregiver lives with the person, provides structure and supervision and takes pressure off the family. To find out how we support people with Alzheimer’s, see Help with dementia and Alzheimer’s. To learn how round-the-clock care works in practice, see 24-hour care at home.

Frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Nerve cells in the brain gradually die off, so that memory, thinking and orientation steadily decline.

Dementia is the umbrella term for various conditions in which mental abilities decline. Alzheimer’s is the most common single type of dementia. Every case of Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, but not every dementia is Alzheimer’s.

Typical symptoms are increasing forgetfulness, difficulty finding words, disorientation, difficulty with everyday tasks and changes in mood and personality. The symptoms become more pronounced over time.

Based on current knowledge, Alzheimer’s cannot be cured. However, treatment and good care can support people as the disease progresses, ease symptoms and maintain quality of life. Treatment should always be in the hands of a doctor.

There is no single answer, because the disease progresses very differently from person to person. Alzheimer Switzerland gives an average duration of illness of around seven to nine years. Key factors are age at diagnosis, general health, other medical conditions and the quality of care. In very old age, remaining life expectancy is often barely different from that of people of the same age without dementia. For an assessment in an individual case, the treating doctor is the right person to ask; Alzheimer Switzerland also provides expert information and advice.

Yes. Familiar surroundings are particularly valuable with Alzheimer’s. 24-hour care at home provides structure, supervision and safety around the clock; prices start at CHF 5’080 per month (5 days a week) or CHF 7’530 per month (7 days a week).

Sources

Last updated: November 2026

More guides on senior care

Overview: Guide to care at home