Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers & Sample Questions

Did You Know? Over 4 million IELTS tests are taken globally each year, and the Reading section alone determines 25% of your total band score. The average global band score for reading in the Academic module is just 6.26, making it one of the most challenging sections to excel at.

The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), designed to assess a candidate's ability to comprehend and interpret academic texts under timed conditions.

The reading section in the IELTS exam consists of 40 questions, each carrying one mark, and scores are converted to the IELTS reading band score, with higher bands requiring a greater number of correct answers, such as 30 correct responses for Band 7 and 35 for Band 8 in the IELTS Academic Reading test.

This blog covers sample questions for the Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers passages. Here, you'll find detailed explanations and practical strategies relevant to this specific reading topic.

Understanding the Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers: Key Themes & Structure

The IELTS Reading section has a reliability score averaging 0.89, reflecting consistent and accurate measurement of candidates' reading skills across 40 questions in 60 minutes.

The Alzheimer’s passage typically features detailed descriptions of symptoms, studies, and treatments. Candidates can expect a variety of question types in the Alzheimer’s Disease reading answer passage, such as multiple choice, matching headings, and sentence completion. 

The  IELTS exam formats test skills ranging from skimming and scanning to detailed comprehension and critical thinking.

The following table summarizes common IELTS Reading question types and the specific reading skills assessed in the IELTS Reading section:

Question Type	Skills Assessed
Multiple Choice	Identifying specific information, understanding main ideas, and inferences.
Matching Headings	Recognizing main ideas, summarizing paragraphs, and distinguishing themes.
Sentence Completion	Locating details, understanding context, grammar, and vocabulary usage
Short-Answer Questions	Scanning for facts, precise information retrieval, and paraphrasing.
True/False/Not Given	Distinguishing between fact and opinion, recognizing explicit/implicit meaning.

Also Read: IELTS Exam Fees in India 2025: Complete Breakdown & Cost Guide

To fully prepare for the IELTS Reading section, it's essential to see how these question types and skills are applied in real exam scenarios. Let's explore Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers sample passages. 

Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers: Sample Passage

The IELTS general reading test features three passages totaling between 2,150 and 2,750 words, with texts sourced from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers to reflect everyday academic reading demands. 

Each section increases in difficulty, and candidates are advised to spend about 20 minutes per section to manage time effectively, as there is no extra time for transferring answers.

Here's a sample passage on IELTS reading answers: "Alzheimer's Disease"

Alzheimer's Disease: The Global Challenge

Passage A

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, over 55 million people globally are living with dementia, and this number is projected to rise to 139 million by 2050, mainly due to aging populations. Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described the condition in 1906 after observing changes in the brain tissue of a patient who had died of an unusual mental illness. One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain. The disease process involves two key proteins, amyloid-beta and tau. Amyloid-beta forms sticky plaques between nerve cells, while tau forms tangles within the cells. These abnormalities disrupt communication between neurons, eventually leading to cell death and brain shrinkage. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience confusion, disorientation, mood changes, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. The impact of Alzheimer's extends far beyond the individual. Families and caregivers often face significant emotional, physical, and financial burdens. In 2023, the global cost of dementia was estimated at over $1.3 trillion, with Alzheimer's accounting for the majority of this figure. Many governments and health organizations have launched national dementia strategies to improve care, increase awareness, and promote research into prevention and treatment. Despite decades of research, the exact cause of Alzheimer's remains unclear. Age is the most significant risk factor, but genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play important roles. Specific genes, such as APOE-e4, increase the risk, while factors like regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and lifelong learning may help protect the brain. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing symptoms, planning care, and accessing support services. However, many cases go undetected until the later stages, when interventions are less effective.

Passage B

Until recently, diagnosing Alzheimer's disease required a combination of cognitive tests, brain imaging, and sometimes invasive procedures such as lumbar punctures. While valuable, these methods are often expensive, time-consuming, and not widely available. The search for simpler, more accessible diagnostic tools has led to significant breakthroughs in recent years. One of the most promising developments is the creation of blood tests that can detect biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease. In 2021, researchers announced the development of a blood test capable of identifying 10 specific chemicals linked to the disease, potentially predicting its onset two to three years before symptoms appear. Some scientists believe that with further refinement, such tests could identify Alzheimer's decades in advance, opening new possibilities for prevention and early intervention. Despite the excitement surrounding these advances, ethical and practical questions remain. With no cure currently available, some experts question whether individuals want to know their risk so far in advance. Dr. Mark Mapstone, a leading neuroscientist, notes, "In my experience, the majority of people are very interested to know whether they will get Alzheimer's. They believe that knowledge is power, particularly regarding your health. We may not have any therapy yet, but there are things we can do, we can get our financial and legal affairs in order, plan for future care, and inform family members." Public health organizations are also considering how best to implement widespread screening. While early detection could allow for better planning and support, it could also lead to anxiety, discrimination, or unnecessary medical interventions. As research continues, many experts stress the importance of providing counseling and support alongside predictive testing. Meanwhile, the search for effective treatments continues. Dozens of clinical trials are underway, exploring medications that target amyloid plaques, tau tangles, inflammation, and other pathways involved in the disease. While progress has been slow, recent advances in understanding the biology of Alzheimer's have led to cautious optimism. Some new drugs have shown promise in slowing the progression of symptoms, though none can yet halt or reverse the disease. In conclusion, Alzheimer's disease remains one of the most significant health challenges of our time. Advances in early detection and diagnosis offer hope, but also raise complex questions about ethics, care, and the future of medicine. As the global population ages, the need for effective prevention, treatment, and support for those affected by Alzheimer's will only grow.

Also Read: How to Get an IELTS Certificate: A Complete Guide for International Students

Having explored the sample Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers passage, it’s time to test your comprehension skills with targeted practice questions.

Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers: Practice Questions and Answers

To aim for a strong IELTS band score (Band 7 or above), you should answer at least 30 out of 40 questions correctly. This section presents 10 sample questions on the Alzheimer's Disease passage in the IELTS test format, reflecting common IELTS Academic Reading formats such as True/False/Not Given, matching headings, multiple choice, and short-answer questions.

Below are mentioned practice questions and IELTS reading answers: "Alzheimer's Disease"

Questions 1–6: NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS

 Questions 1–6 require candidates to complete a table by locating specific information from the passage and writing answers using no more than two words and/or numbers. To approach these questions effectively, first identify keywords in the table headings and questions, then scan the passage for matching information.

Here’s the detailed question and IELTS reading answers: "Alzheimer's Disease"

Question 1-6 

Complete the table below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.

Alzheimer	Problems
Most common form of 1.____________________	Refers to memory loss and inability to carry out daily tasks
Over 2.____________________ people affected	Another type is 3.____________________
Named after 4.____________________	The majority of patients are over sixty-five years old
Two key proteins:	5.____________________ and 6.____________________ are protein filaments accumulated inside cells

Here is a completed table with answers, detailed explanations, and a strategy to approach these questions and their focus and impact..

Focus: Extract precise facts from the passage, use keywords, and apply logical reasoning. For best results, scan for numbers, names, and key terms. 

Strategy: Scan the passage for keywords in the table (e.g., "most common form,” "named after," "two key proteins").

Impact: This approach ensures accuracy, saves time, and directly targets the skills assessed in IELTS Reading, helping you achieve a higher band score.

Q. No.	Answer	Explanation
1.	dementia	Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of all dementia cases. Dementia is an umbrella term for diseases causing memory loss, impaired thinking, and inability to perform daily tasks
2.	55 million	Over 55 million people globally are affected by dementia as of 2020–2021, according to the World Health Organization and Alzheimer's Disease International.
3.	vascular dementia	Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's, as confirmed by the CDC and other official health sources.
4.	Alois Alzheimer	The disease is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first described the condition in 1906 after observing changes in the brain tissue of a patient with unusual mental illness
5.	amyloid-beta	Amyloid-beta is one of the two key proteins involved in Alzheimer's pathology. It forms sticky plaques between nerve cells in the brain,
6.	tau	Tau is the second key protein, forming tangles (neurofibrillary tangles) inside brain cells.

Next, let's shift attention to the matching information section in the IELTS reading answers: "Alzheimer's Disease"

Questions 7–13: Matching Information

Matching Information questions require you to locate specific details or ideas within different passage sections. To approach these effectively, carefully read each question, scan the passage for keywords or paraphrased ideas, and match them to the correct section. 

Below are sample Matching Information questions: 

Q7. According to the passage, what percentage of dementia cases worldwide are due to Alzheimer’s disease?

A) 20–40%

B) 40–60%

C) 60–80%

D) 80–100%

Focus: Understanding key statistics. 

Strategy: Scan for percentages in the passage.

Impact: Helps quickly identify and recall important figures. 

Answer: C) 60–80% Explanation: Passage A states that "Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases worldwide."

Q8. What is one of the main features of Alzheimer’s disease at the cellular level?

A) Loss of blood supply to the brain

B) Accumulation of abnormal protein deposits

C) Increase in brain size

D) Decrease in heart function

Focus: This question assesses your understanding of the scientific and medical aspects explained in the passage.

Strategy: Look for descriptions of the disease's mechanisms, particularly in sections discussing the biology or pathology of Alzheimer's.

Impact: Recognizing and interpreting scientific terminology is essential for tackling academic reading passages, especially those with technical content.

Answer: B) Accumulation of abnormal protein deposits Explanation: The passage notes, "One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease is the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain," which directly supports option B.

Q9. Which of the following is identified as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?

A) High blood pressure

B) Age

C) Smoking

D) Lack of sleep

Focus: This question checks your ability to identify explicit risk factors or causes from the text.

Strategy: Scan for sections discussing causes, risks, or contributing factors. Look for phrases like "risk factor" or "increases the risk."

Impact: Identifying risk factors is a frequent requirement in IELTS Reading, and it helps both in multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

Answer: B) Age Explanation: The text clearly states, “Age is the most significant risk factor,” making this a direct information retrieval task. In IELTS Reading, identifying risk factors or causes often involves recognizing phrases like "risk factor" or "increases the risk."

Q10. What recent development has improved the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease?

A) MRI scans

B) Lumbar punctures

C) Blood tests for biomarkers

D) Genetic engineering

Focus: This question evaluates your ability to recognize recent scientific advancements mentioned in the passage.

Strategy: Look for sections that discuss new methods, breakthroughs, or innovations.

Impact: Spotting new developments or research findings is vital for answering questions about progress in a field.

Answer: C) Blood tests for biomarkers Explanation: The passage states, "One of the most promising developments is the creation of blood tests that can detect biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease," confirming option C.

Q11. Why do some experts question the value of early predictive tests for Alzheimer’s?

A) They are too expensive

B) There is currently no cure

C) They are inaccurate

D) They are not widely available

Focus: This question tests your understanding of opinions and arguments, especially those involving ethical or practical considerations.

Strategy: Find where the passage discusses expert opinions or debates. Look for words like "question," "concern," or "no cure."

Impact: Being able to interpret viewpoints and arguments is key for higher-level comprehension and answering inference questions.

Answer: B) There is currently no cure Explanation: The passage explains, "With no cure currently available, some experts question whether individuals want to know their risk so far in advance," which matches option B.

Q12. What is the estimated global cost of dementia as of 2023?

A) $500 million

B) $1.3 trillion

C) $5 trillion

D) $13 billion

Focus: This question tests your ability to extract and recall financial or statistical information.

Strategy: Scan for monetary amounts and dates, especially in sections discussing the impact or scale of the problem.

Impact: Quickly locating figures and statistics is essential for answering data-driven questions under time pressure.

Answer: B) $1.3 trillion Explanation: The passage provides the figure: "In 2023, the global cost of dementia was estimated at over $1.3 trillion," confirming option B.

Q13. What do researchers believe could help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease?

A) Regular physical activity and lifelong learning

B) Daily medication

C) Blood transfusions

D) Increased sugar intake

Focus: This question assesses your ability to identify recommendations or preventive measures discussed in the passage.

Strategy: Look for sections that mention prevention, advice, or lifestyle factors. Keywords include "protect," "help," and "recommend."

Impact: Recognizing suggested actions or solutions is important for both multiple-choice and summary completion questions.

Answer: A) Regular physical activity and lifelong learning Explanation: The passage mentions, "Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and lifelong learning may help protect the brain," which supports option A.

Use the IELTS Band Score Calculator to instantly estimate your results. 

Now that you're familiar with the question types, understanding the importance of vocabulary will help improve your overall comprehension and accuracy.

Must-Know Vocabulary for the Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers

A strong vocabulary is crucial for high performance in the IELTS Reading section, as research shows that vocabulary breadth and depth together account for over 50% of reading score variance. 

Candidates need to know at least 6,000 word families to reach a level of proficiency for effective comprehension.

Here's a list of important vocabulary for the Alzheimer’s Disease IELTS Reading passage: 

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Dementia	A group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.	Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.
Neurodegenerative	Relating to the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons	Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to brain cell death.
Amyloid-beta	A protein that forms plaques in the brain, associated with Alzheimer’s	Amyloid-beta forms sticky plaques between nerve cells.
Tau	A protein that forms tangles inside brain cells in Alzheimer’s disease	Tau forms tangles within the cells, disrupting communication.
Biomarker	A measurable indicator of a biological condition or disease	Blood tests can detect biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Cognitive	Related to mental processes such as thinking, understanding, and remembering	Diagnosing Alzheimer’s requires cognitive tests and brain imaging.
Plaques	Abnormal clusters of protein fragments that build up between nerve cells	Amyloid-beta forms sticky plaques between nerve cells.
Tangles	Twisted fibers of tau protein that build up inside cells in Alzheimer’s	Tau forms tangles within the cells, leading to neuron death.
Prevalence	The proportion of a population found to have a condition	The prevalence of Alzheimer’s is increasing due to aging populations.
Intervention	Action taken to improve a situation, especially medical treatment	Early diagnosis allows for better intervention and care planning.

Building on that, understanding collocations and set phrases is also important to improve your answers in the IELTS reading section.

Collocations and Phrases

Collocations are natural word pairings like “take action” or “raise awareness.” They are vital in the IELTS Reading section, improving reading speed, comprehension, and accuracy.

Moreover, using collocations and phrases correctly can help candidates sound more like native speakers, fulfill the Lexical Resource criterion, and improve their chances of achieving Band 7 or above. 

Here is a table of must-know collocations from the Alzheimer's Disease IELTS reading answers passage:

Collocation	Meaning
leading cause	The main or most important reason for something
memory loss	The inability to remember information or events
progressive disorder	A disease that worsens or advances over time
protein deposits	Accumulations of proteins in the body or brain
brain shrinkage	Reduction in brain size, often due to cell loss
emotional burden	A heavy load of stress or worry affects feelings
financial burden	A heavy load of costs or expenses
early diagnosis	Identifying a disease at an initial or early stage
risk factor	Something that increases the likelihood of developing a disease
blood test	A medical test using a sample of blood
ethical questions	Moral issues or dilemmas requiring careful consideration
cognitive tests	Assessments that measure mental processes such as memory and reasoning
support services	Assistance provided to help people cope with illness or difficulties
clinical trials	Research studies involving patients to test new treatments

Get your official IELTS certificate and download your IELTS score card effortlessly, Follow a step-by-step guide to access your results.

Before you tackle the Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading passage, it's crucial to be aware of the mistakes that can lower your score and learn strategies to avoid them. 

Common Mistakes & Smart Tips for the Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers

Many candidates make recurring errors in the IELTS Reading section, such as misreading instructions, overlooking keywords, or writing answers in the wrong format. Students who consistently avoid these mistakes are 30% more likely to achieve Band 7 or above.

Here are some specific errors and some helpful IELTS reading tips: 

1. Misreading the Instructions

• Writing more than “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS” when the instructions clearly limit your answer.
• Tip: Always read the instructions carefully before you begin each question set. Underline or highlight word limits and answer formats. Double-check your answers before moving on.

2. Ignoring Keywords and Synonyms

• Missing an answer because you looked for the exact word from the question, not its synonym or paraphrase in the text.
• Tip: Train yourself to spot synonyms and paraphrased ideas. Practice scanning for meaning, not just matching words. This will help you catch answers that are reworded in the passage.

3. Poor Time Management

• Spending too long on one tricky question and running out of time for others.
• Tip: Allocate about 20 minutes per passage and move on if you’re stuck. Mark difficult questions and return to them if time allows. Remember, each question is worth the same mark.

4. Incorrect Answer Formatting

• Writing "two proteins" instead of just "amyloid-beta, tau" when the answer requires "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.”
• Tip: Always check your answers for word count and required format. If the answer should be a number, write only the number; if it’s a name, write only the name.

5. Not Transferring Answers Carefully

• Making mistakes when copying answers from the question paper to the answer sheet, leading to lost marks.
• Tip: Transfer your answers as you go, and double-check for spelling, grammar, and alignment with the correct question number.

6. Overlooking Context

• Choosing an answer that fits the question but not the passage's context.
• Tip: Read the sentences before and after the keyword to ensure your answer makes sense in context, not just as an isolated fact.

Learn about the IELTS Exam Syllabus 2025 – Section-Wise Breakdown & Question Types to understand the test structure.

Next, to improve your practice, here are additional resources that provide extra practice and guidance.

Best Resources to Practice the Alzheimer's Disease IELTS Reading Answers

Having a dedicated practice resource is essential for IELTS Reading success, as studies show that candidates who regularly use authentic practice materials improve their scores by up to 25% compared to those who don't. 

Consistent, targeted practice not only familiarizes you with real exam question types and time constraints but also helps you develop strategies for skimming, scanning, and managing complex vocabulary.

Below is a handpicked list of IELTS reading resources to help you achieve a good IELTS band score, especially Band 7 or Band 8.

Resource	Focus Area	Why Use It?
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Comprehensive IELTS skills	Downloadable practice materials covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections to build overall proficiency.
IELTS Reading Test	Reading skills	Practice tests focused on improving the IELTS reading section's reading comprehension and time management.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Visual learning	Engaging video lessons that explain strategies, tips, and common pitfalls across all exam sections.

Before you choose your IELTS Reading practice platform, it’s worth knowing how upGrad can give you a measurable advantage in your exam preparation.

How upGrad Supports Your Preparation for IELTS Reading Passage

upGrad offers a uniquely structured approach to IELTS Reading preparation, going beyond generic tips to deliver targeted support for passages like "Alzheimer's Disease." 

At upGrad, you will get full-length, exam-style reading passages with authentic question types, including table completion, multiple choice, and matching information, mirroring the actual IELTS test format. Each passage comes with detailed answer explanations and step-by-step breakdowns, helping you understand not just what the correct answer is, but why it's correct.

Ready to increase your IELTS Reading score? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts and get access to expert-led lessons and personalized feedback to reach your target IELTS band score!