Dementia and its impact on the aging population is a growing public health concern. AD is the most common form of neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by a decline in cognitive function that affects a person’s day-to-day activities. AD diagnosis occurs in stages, beginning with cognitive symptoms and progressing to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) then mild, moderate, or severe AD. Various lifestyle and health related factors are hypothesized to contribute to the development of AD; however, literature remains incongruent regarding the negative or positive effects of these variables.

Although the stages of AD are well-described, its diagnosis presents a challenge as its symptoms are often attributed to the consequences of aging and literature regarding AD is often misaligned. These results may provide diagnostic insight regarding AD and emphasizes the importance of a patient’s social history. Future research should focus on improving diagnostic criteria for AD, providing guidance to researchers and physicians on the implementation of early interventions.