The 7 Stages Of Alzheimer's Disease: Everything You Need To Know

2. The Silent Onset – What’s Happening Inside the Brain?

Stage One — Even before noticeable symptoms appear, Alzheimer’s disease is already at work in the brain. This stage, sometimes called "preclinical Alzheimer’s," can last for years or even decades before memory loss and cognitive changes become evident. The disease begins as abnormal proteins—beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles—accumulate in the brain, disrupting communication between neurons. Over time, brain cells start to die, particularly in areas responsible for memory and reasoning. While there are no outward signs at this stage, researchers believe early lifestyle interventions—such as maintaining a healthy diet, staying socially engaged, and exercising regularly—could help slow down the progression of the disease before symptoms arise.