Understanding Early Signs of Alzheimer’s
World Alzheimer’s Day, observed September 21, is a reminder that memory changes deserve both compassion and attention. Most of us have walked into a room and forgotten why we went there, blanked on someone’s name, or searched the house for glasses that were sitting on top of our head. Those moments can be frustrating, but they are also a common part of getting older.
So when should we worry?
The difference is not simply whether someone forgets. It is whether memory and thinking changes are becoming frequent, worsening over time, and interfering with everyday life.
With normal aging, it may take longer to learn a new name or remember a detail. Someone might occasionally miss a payment, misplace the remote, or forget the day of the week, then remember it later. They may pause to find the right word in conversation, but they can still follow the conversation and continue living independently.
Alzheimer’s disease is different. It is a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking and reasoning. Early signs often show up in patterns that disrupt daily routines, relationships, safety or independence.
For example, forgetting a lunch date once is ordinary – and a very normal sign of aging. Repeatedly forgetting recently learned information, asking the same question over and over, or relying more and more on family members to manage tasks once handled independently may be cause for concern.
Managing money is another area families may notice. An occasional mistake in a checkbook is one thing. Difficulty following a familiar budget, paying bills consistently, recognizing scams, or making repeated poor financial decisions is something else.
Changes can also appear in everyday tasks.
A person may suddenly have trouble following a well-loved recipe, organizing a grocery list, driving to a familiar location, or remembering the rules of a favorite card game. They may become confused about dates, seasons or where they are, or lose an item and be unable to retrace their steps to find it.
Language and social changes can be important clues, too.
We all occasionally lose a word. With Alzheimer’s or another dementia, a person may struggle to follow or join a conversation, repeat themselves, stop mid-sentence without knowing how to continue, or use unusual names for familiar objects. They may also begin withdrawing from hobbies, work, friends or activities they once enjoyed because keeping up has become difficult.
Family members sometimes notice changes in judgment, mood or personality before the person does. This can include unusual suspicion, anxiety, confusion, poor grooming, impulsive choices or becoming easily upset in situations that once felt manageable.
None of these signs, on their own, confirms Alzheimer’s disease. Memory problems can be caused or worsened by treatable issues including medication side effects, depression, anxiety, poor sleep, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems and other medical conditions. That is exactly why it is important not to dismiss meaningful changes as “just getting older,” but also not to jump to conclusions.
A good rule of thumb: if memory or thinking changes are affecting daily life, it is time to talk with a health care provider. Bring specific examples. When did the changes begin? How often are they happening? What tasks have become harder? A clinician can review medications, assess memory and thinking, and look for underlying causes.
World Alzheimer’s Day is not about creating fear around every forgotten name. It is about paying attention with kindness, getting answers when they are needed, and remembering that support is available for individuals and families at every stage.
Over the past year at Noble Horizons, our amazing team, volunteers and incredible community raised over $2,000 from our Paint & Sip event, the Noble Car Wash, and Bingo Night to support the Alzheimer's Association. Thank you to all who contributed to such an amazing and important cause!
For more information or support, the Alzheimer’s Association offers a free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
**This article should not be construed as medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or that of a loved one, please contact a licensed health care provider.