Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of 2 proteins called amyloid and tau.
“Researchers do not fully understand how amyloid and tau are involved in the loss of brain cells, but research into this is continuing,” the NHS adds.
The hippocampus is often affected early on in Alzheimer’s disease. This area of the brain is responsible for laying down new memories, hence why memory loss can be one of the earliest symptoms in Alzheimer’s.