Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, affecting millions globally and expected to triple by 2050. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, with a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The APOE gene is a major risk factor, while other genes contribute to risk through polygenic scores. Lifestyle factors such as education, exercise, and vascular health influence AD risk. Pathological features include amyloid accumulation, neuroinflammation, and tau pathology, with amyloid oligomers playing a key role in disease progression. Diagnosis is evolving with biomarkers like CSF and PET imaging, allowing earlier detection. Current treatments include cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, which provide modest benefits. Despite advances, no disease-modifying therapies exist. Research focuses on amyloid and tau pathways, with clinical trials exploring amyloid-targeting drugs. Future strategies aim to prevent AD through early intervention, using genetic risk scores and biomarkers. Challenges include ensuring affordability and equitable access to new therapies. Personalized medicine and early detection are key to improving outcomes.Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, affecting millions globally and expected to triple by 2050. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, with a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The APOE gene is a major risk factor, while other genes contribute to risk through polygenic scores. Lifestyle factors such as education, exercise, and vascular health influence AD risk. Pathological features include amyloid accumulation, neuroinflammation, and tau pathology, with amyloid oligomers playing a key role in disease progression. Diagnosis is evolving with biomarkers like CSF and PET imaging, allowing earlier detection. Current treatments include cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, which provide modest benefits. Despite advances, no disease-modifying therapies exist. Research focuses on amyloid and tau pathways, with clinical trials exploring amyloid-targeting drugs. Future strategies aim to prevent AD through early intervention, using genetic risk scores and biomarkers. Challenges include ensuring affordability and equitable access to new therapies. Personalized medicine and early detection are key to improving outcomes.