Alzheimer’s can be difficult to recognize at first, especially when early signs look like the everyday forgetfulness we all experience.
Understanding the difference between normal aging and symptoms that may signal something more serious is an important first step for families who are worried about a loved one. This page walks you through the early indicators of Alzheimer’s, why timely evaluation matters, and how to approach the conversation if you’re concerned, so you can move forward with clarity and support.
Normal signs of aging:
- Forgetting names (but recognizing the name when reminded)
- Occasional difficulty finding specific words, but able to express the idea
- Forgetting the date by a day or two
- Forgetting to do something (but remembering when reminded)
Signs that may require further evaluation:
- Difficulty learning and remembering new information
- Loss of enthusiasm and slowness
- Word-finding difficulty, novel substitutions
- Easily confused, difficult to “unconfuse”
- Difficulty with machinery, finances, driving, cooking
- Multiple repetitions of the same question or statement
- Frequently losing things
Cause for Concern Checklist:
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Change in personality
- Isolation or depression
- Persistently confusing family members
- Forgetting the year and not accepting correction
- Denying or covering up memory difficulties
- Persistently unable to express an idea verbally
Advantages of Early Intervention/Diagnosis:
- Resolves uncertainty
- Allows caregiver planning and education
- Routine established and environment stabilized
- Opportunity for life-review and care options
- Start of medical treatment and participation in research
- Provides rationale for reducing responsibilities
Problem behavior can be reinterpreted to avoid:
- Driving accidents or accidents at home or work
- Medication mix ups
- Money mismanagement
- Social and work mistakes and embarrassment
Suggestions for getting a family member in for an assessment:
(Health care providers cannot tell you anything about your family member's health without that person's permission, unless you have a durable power of attorney. But they CAN listen to whatever information you want to volunteer.)
- Talk with the doctor first. Express your concerns and give concrete examples of problems.
- Gently determine if they realize there is a problem and if they would like help.
- If the person becomes paranoid or accuses you of being the one with the problem, back off. Arguing will make matters worse.
- Try getting the person to go in for another problem, like a flu shot.
- Get the person to accompany you for "your" visit to the doctor.
- If the person acknowledges a memory problem, but doesn't think a doctor can help, say there are new medications. Show an article; post it on the fridge.
- Don't give them advanced notice of an upcoming appointment (which gives ample opportunity to refuse to go.) Simply say, "You've got an appointment today," "Let's go," or "The doctor called and said you need to come in."
This information has been adapted from an article written by neuropsychologist, Tedd Judd, Ph.D., ABPP, and reprinted from the Alzheimer's Society of Washington's newsletter, December 1998.
What to expect for a neuropsychological dementia medical workup:
- Taking a history of the problems of the cognitive and functional difficulties.
- Interview with the person and a family member.
- A physical examination and blood tests to help rule out treatable conditions.
- A mental examination and test of baseline intellectual abilities, learning abilities, emotional state, verbal fluency, novel problem solving, sensory-perceptual and motor abilities.
- A scan of the brain (CT or MRI.)
Unless your family member does not give permission, the doctor should be talking to a family member to:
- Get information
- Share results
- Discuss any potential treatment options
- Give information about Alzheimer’s Disease
- Help you plan for the future
- Put you in touch with community resources.
If you are not getting this help from your physician, request it. If you still are not satisfied, find another doctor who will work with you to help manage the disease. Getting a diagnosis does take time, but knowing what you are dealing with and the probable course of the disease helps the person and the family make plans for the future.
Download Is it Alzheimer’s Disease (BLUE SHEETS) (Print Version)
Learn More About Alzheimer’s:
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