Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and loss of functional independence. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults and is associated with gradually worsening impairment in thinking, reasoning, and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Alzheimer's disease leads to significant caregiving needs, often requiring supervision, assistance with personal care, and eventually full-time nursing or memory care. For insurers, Alzheimer's represents a major long-term care risk, driving claims costs and influencing pricing assumptions for LTC insurance, hybrid policies, and chronic illness riders. In life underwriting, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is generally uninsurable due to its progressive nature and impact on mortality and capacity.

Advisors encounter Alzheimer's disease frequently when discussing long-term care planning with clients who have family histories of dementia or who are caring for affected relatives. They highlight how LTC policies, chronic illness riders, or asset-based LTC products can help fund memory care, assisted living, or in-home supervision. Underwriting for LTC and life products typically asks about cognitive testing, memory concerns, and family history, and may require cognitive screening at older ages. Advisors also help families navigate caregiving roles, respite care, and community resources once Alzheimer's is diagnosed. Understanding Alzheimer's disease enables advisors to speak empathetically about cognitive risk, encourage earlier planning while clients still have capacity, and frame insurance as a tool to protect caregivers and assets as the disease progresses.