What Alzheimer’s Is Really Doing to the Brain: A Teen’s Perspective

Writer: Pippa Loverro

If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard the word “Alzheimer’s” and immediately thought, Oh… that’s when you start to lose your memory. That’s what I used to think, too. Just memory loss. Just forgetting names.

But when I actually started researching it, I realized Alzheimer’s is so much more than that. It’s not just forgetting where you put your keys. It’s a slow, physical change happening inside the brain. As I read more and more about the physiological changes, I began to understand the extent to which Alzheimer's is a multifactorial disease, and how, if we are to one day find a cure, we must zoom out and look at the whole picture. 

So here’s what I found.

The Big Question: What Is Alzheimer’s Actually Doing to the Brain?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disease and the most common cause of dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023). “Progressive” means it gets worse over time. It doesn’t happen in one dramatic moment. It happens slowly, quietly, over the years.

Alzheimer’s physically changes the brain. It damages brain cells and causes them to die. And when brain cells die, the brain actually shrinks (National Institute on Aging, 2023).

That part really shocked me. I always imagined memory fading like a light dimming. But it’s more like parts of the brain are slowly breaking down.

What’s Happening Inside the Brain:

Okay, here’s the science part, but I promise I’ll make it make sense.

Your brain is made up of billions of nerve cells called neurons. These neurons communicate with one another through tiny electrical and chemical signals. That communication is how you remember your best friend’s birthday, solve math problems, or recognize your mom’s voice.

In Alzheimer’s, two major things happen:

1. Plaques Build Up:Sticky clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid form between brain cells. These clumps are called plaques. They block communication between neurons and can trigger inflammation (National Institute on Aging, 2023).

2. Tangles Form Inside Cells:Another protein called tau normally helps support the structure inside brain cells. But in Alzheimer’s, tau twists into abnormal shapes called tangles. These tangles stop nutrients and signals from moving properly inside the cell (National Institute on Aging, 2023).

When neurons can’t communicate and can’t get nutrients, they eventually die.

And that’s when the symptoms begin.

How the Decline Happens Over Time:

Alzheimer’s usually starts in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. The hippocampus helps form new memories. That’s why one of the first signs is difficulty remembering recent events (Alzheimer’s Association, 2023).

Someone might forget a conversation they just had. Or ask the same question multiple times.

At first, it might seem small. But over time, more areas of the brain become affected.

As the disease progresses, people may experience:

• Increasing memory loss

• Trouble finding words

• Difficulty solving problems

• Mood and personality changes

• Confusion about time or place

Eventually, Alzheimer’s can affect parts of the brain responsible for movement and even basic bodily functions (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).

And this is something I think people don’t always realize: Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging (CDC, 2022). Aging increases risk, but the disease itself involves specific brain damage.

Why This Matters to Us:

I know what some people might think: We’re teenagers. Why should we worry about this now?

But here’s the thing.

Many of us have grandparents or older relatives. Understanding what’s happening in their brains helps us respond with patience instead of frustration.

Also, (and this actually made me feel hopeful), research shows that lifelong learning and mental stimulation may help build “cognitive reserve,” which helps the brain stay stronger as we age (National Institute on Aging, 2023). That means reading, learning languages, and challenging yourself in school, all of it matters in the long term.

When I think about that, I feel empowered instead of scared.

Because awareness isn’t about fear. It’s about understanding.

The Real Talk:

Alzheimer’s is heartbreaking. It slowly changes a person’s ability to remember, think, and connect. But learning about what’s happening inside the brain makes it less mysterious.

It’s not someone “trying” to forget. It’s not laziness. It’s not normal aging.

It’s a disease that damages neurons, builds plaques and tangles, and causes the brain to shrink over time.

And the more we understand that, the more compassionate we can be.

As someone who is bubbly and very positive (yes, that’s me), I truly believe awareness leads to action. Research is improving. Scientists are working on earlier detection and better treatments. Conversations are happening.

And we can be part of that.

Call your grandparents. Stay curious. Protect your brain by staying mentally active. And most importantly, never stop learning.

Because we only get one brain. And it deserves to be understood.

I myself am still learning and am keeping up to date with new information being released, so STAY TUNED!!

References:

Alzheimer’s Association. (2023). What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? https://www.alz.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging. https://www.cdc.gov

National Institute on Aging. (2023). What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease? https://www.nia.nih.gov