Quick Summary: In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month, we’ve created this insightful guide to educate readers on the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and how they differ from normal aging. This guide emphasizes the importance of early detection and encourages families to start conversations and seek medical guidance sooner rather than later.

World Alzheimer’s Month is the perfect time to assess your brain health and raise dementia and Alzheimer’s awareness. A simple way to participate is to ask yourself: When was the last time you had a cognitive screening?

A 2023 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 80% of older adults aged 65 to 80 see the benefit of tests that can give an early warning that a person’s memory and thinking abilities have started to decline. However, 80% said they haven’t had a cognitive test in the past year to look for early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, and 59% reported never having had such a screening.

If people knew dementia early warning signs, what to do after recognizing Alzheimer’s symptoms, and the importance of early detection, they might take their cognitive health more seriously. In the same poll, 60% of participants thought that health care providers should offer cognitive screening to all older adults every year.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

According to the CDC, memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging, so it’s important to visit a doctor if you see any of the following early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in you or a loved one:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting recent events, important dates, or asking the same questions repeatedly.
Challenges with planning or problem-solving, such as struggling to follow a recipe, track bills, or concentrate on numbers.
Difficulty completing familiar daily tasks or routines at home or work.
Confusion with time or place, such as losing track of dates or seasons, or forgetting where you are.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations, such as reading, judging distances, or balancing.
New problems with words in speaking or writing, such as stopping mid-conversation or struggling to name familiar objects.
Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps, such as putting items in odd places and failing to retrace steps to find them.
Decreased judgment skills, such as making bad choices with money or personal care.
Social withdrawal from work, gatherings, hobbies, or activities.
Changes in mood or personality, such as becoming easily upset, anxious, confused, or suspicious.

The Difference Between Normal Aging and Dementia

Recognizing Alzheimer’s symptoms from signs of normal aging is important when assessing your cognitive health. If after reading the list above you’re still unsure if what you’re seeing is a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, here is an overview of the key differences between normal aging and signs of dementia:

Normal Aging	Dementia
Sometimes forgetting then remembering names, appointments, and events and occasionally entirely forgetting what other people have said.	Difficulty remembering people, significant dates, or events, or repeatedly asking for the same information where it interferes with daily activities.
Common age-related health issues like muscular weakness or joint problems that can cause stiffness and pain when walking, as well as reduced ability to tolerate long walks or climb stairs.	Losing the capacity to walk safely due to diminished environmental awareness and required additional support for balance, sitting, standing, and moving.
Occasional difficulty remembering the day of the week or entering a room and forgetting why you’re there but ultimately remembering.	Difficulty telling time or identifying locations, leading to frustration or getting lost.
Occasionally making a bad decision.	Unable to determine if an action is safe or appropriate, such as giving strangers large amounts of money.
Sometimes misplacing things then retracing steps to find them.	Misplacing things without ever finding them, putting items in odd places, or making false accusations about theft.
Reduced ability to multitask or respond or process information in a timely manner, leading to occasional mistakes.	Difficulty planning and completing routines and daily tasks, neglecting personal care, and inability to concentrate and follow directions, taking longer to complete tasks.
Occasionally getting lost if distracted or if several people talk simultaneously; focusing harder to follow conversation or find the right word.	Difficulty expressing themselves, naming things, and following conversation, occasionally ending discussions from not knowing how to continue.
Common age-related visual abnormalities like cataracts or glaucoma that can lead to poor eyesight.	Losing the ability to recognize or identify faces, objects, colors, patterns, distances, and spaces as a result of brain changes.
Occasional agitation when routines are disturbed, feelings of depression or nervousness, or fatigue from work, family, social activity.	Abrupt random mood swings, passivity, social withdrawal, consistent callousness, and sleeping more than usual.

What to do After Seeing Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

If you see the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in yourself or a loved one, now is the time to have family conversations and seek medical guidance. Be proactive with the following steps after recognizing Alzheimer’s symptoms:

Log Symptoms: Write down specific examples of memory lapses or confusion, including when they started.
Talk to a Healthcare Professional: Request an in-person or extended visit to discuss specific behavioral and memory changes.
Get a Specialist Referral: Ask your doctor for a referral to a neurologist, geriatrician, or memory clinic for a formal evaluation.
Connect With Resources: Reach out to organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association for guidance and support lines.
Organize Legal and Financial Documents: Discuss future medical wishes, powers of attorney, and financial planning while the patient can still be an active participant.
Build a Care Network: Involve trusted family members and friends early to plan future care steps together.

These important conversations may also include incorporating future housing and care. Senior living communities can work with families to explore memory care after a dementia diagnosis, giving everyone comfort and peace of mind.

Why Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease Matters

Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other forms of cognitive impairment benefits patients and their families in many ways:

Better Treatment Response: Medications work best during mild or early stages of cognitive impairment.
Determine Appropriate Conditions: Early testing can identify reversible causes of memory loss, such as vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects.
Clinical Trial Access: Early diagnosis qualifies patients for research studies testing new therapies.
Legal and Financial Decisions: Patients can clearly express their wishes for future care, power of attorney, and finances.
Peace of Mind: Understanding the source of memory changes brings clarity, offers potential next steps, and reduces the fear of the unknown.
Support Systems: Families can build strong routines, connect with counselors, and join support groups early.

Why Senior Living is Great for Alzheimer’s Patients

Whether you’re looking into memory care for your loved one or planning for yourself with a continuum of care in mind should your needs change, senior living is beneficial for residents with cognitive impairments for a variety of reasons:

Controlled Access: Entrances and exits are secured to prevent wandering while allowing safe freedom of movement.
Fall Prevention: Community layouts are thoughtfully designed with simplified hallways and visual cues to lower accident risks.
Emergency Response: Staff are on site around the clock for immediate medical or physical assistance.
Trained Professionals: Compassionate, dementia-trained caregivers understand how to navigate mood changes, anxiety, and personality shifts.
Personalized Assistance: Staff support activities of daily living (ADLs) and medication management.
Predictable Schedules: Consistent daily rhythms offer comfort and reduce agitation.
Research-Proven Experiences: Regular programs feature music, art, and sensory therapies designed to stimulate cognitive function.
Social Connection: Group settings minimize social isolation and foster community.

Memory Care at Clarendale at Bellevue Place

At Clarendale at Bellevue Place, we provide a safe, secure, and caring environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

In the Memory Care neighborhood at Clarendale, highly trained staff dedicate each day to a success-focused, highly individualized program of competent, compassionate care for each resident.

Families can enjoy peace of mind knowing the proven Heartfelt Connections – A Memory Care Program™ promotes dignity and a sense of pride and accomplishment for our residents, as well as:

A focus on the abilities that remain, rather than what is lost
A celebration of everything residents do
A schedule of life-affirming activities enriching each day
Warm and caring professionals focused on highly individualized care addressing high quality of life
A secured memory care courtyard for outdoor opportunities, including bird watching and feeding, gardening, safe walks, seating, and family visits

“Placing our loved ones into the hands of a memory care community is one of the hardest things my family has lived. The staff at Clarendale at Bellevue Place has gone above and beyond to make this transition easier on us. From the time you walk in, you are welcomed by friendly staff and happy residents. We are very thankful for all the care given from Clarendale at Bellevue Place. Thank you from our family to all that work at this beautiful community!”

– Christy, relative of resident

Still have questions about memory care at Clarendale at Bellevue Place? Contact us today to speak with our compassionate experts or schedule a tour of our welcoming community to experience our vibrant culture firsthand.