When does forgetfulness signal something more serious?

Imagine reminding a parent about a conversation from yesterday, only for them to have no recollection of it. Later, they repeat a question you’ve already answered more than once. That can leave you unsure whether to speak up, and how to do it without causing embarrassment or fear.

Situations like this are common. Memory concerns can be easy to notice but hard to discuss, whether the changes are in yourself or in someone else. Many people assume forgetfulness is simply part of getting older, and often it is. Still, how can you tell when it may point to something more serious?

This is a useful time to learn the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and know when to seek medical care. Understanding the difference between normal forgetfulness and early symptoms of Alzheimer’s can help you decide when an evaluation is needed.

UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness that damages and destroys nerve cells in the brain. The Alzheimer’s Association says it is the most common cause of dementia and affects 1 in 9 Americans age 65 and older.

“Occasionally forgetting a name or searching for the right word can happen with age – often, the name or word comes back later,” said Dr. Nathan Stacy, a neurologist with Lawrence Neurology Specialists. “But with Alzheimer’s, a person may forget an entire event or conversation, ask the same question repeatedly or have trouble following and joining other interactions.”

Symptoms may change from one day to the next, so familiar tasks can feel easier at times and harder at others. Trouble handling everyday responsibilities can provide another clue, since the disease increasingly interferes with daily life.

“From not being able to work out where they left an item, to missing appointments, mismanaging medications, forgetting to pay bills and getting lost while driving – these are all the types of things that should prompt someone to seek evaluation and care,” Stacy said.

FROM EVERYDAY OBSERVATIONS TO SPECIALIZED EVALUATIONS

Bringing up a memory concern can be uncomfortable. Writing down specific examples ahead of time may help you explain what you have noticed.

Dr. Stacy advises people to raise concerns even when the changes seem minor.

“If you’ve had consistent concerns about a loved one for more than a few months, try to bring them in for evaluation,” he explained. “Even with mild worries about changes in thinking or memory, it’s reasonable to talk to a healthcare practitioner about it.”

The first step is an appointment with a primary care practitioner, who can review symptoms and order basic lab work. If the results suggest Alzheimer’s or another reason for specialized testing, the primary care practitioner can refer the patient to neurology.

At Lawrence Neurology Specialists, experts such as Stacy evaluate memory, thinking and the ability to handle daily activities. Targeted questions, lab tests and brain imaging can help determine whether Alzheimer’s or another condition is causing the symptoms. Some causes of memory problems, including medication effects, depression or thyroid disorders, may be treatable.

Finding out what is behind the symptoms helps determine the next step. It is important to remember that you do not need to know for sure that something is wrong before asking about it.

A CARE PLAN BUILT AROUND THE PERSON

If the diagnosis is Alzheimer’s, education and supportive care can make daily life more manageable, even though there is no cure. The discussion may include independence, family responsibilities and what kind of help is needed now.

For families, that might start with managing medications, keeping appointments or paying bills. As the disease advances, a person may need more help with meals, dressing and other daily tasks. Planning ahead for changing needs gives the person with Alzheimer’s more opportunity to take part in decisions about care.

Caregivers also need support. Learning how to respond to changes in behavior and communication can make everyday interactions easier. Sharing tasks and arranging breaks from caregiving are practical ways to handle the strain over time. Neurology care teams can also help patients and families discuss the plan and adjust it as needs evolve.

PROMOTING BRAIN HEALTH AT EVERY AGE

Stacy encourages healthy habits that may lower risk and support brain health. Staying physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and staying socially connected all matter.

“There are many other things people can do throughout the course of their lives to try and reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s,” Stacy said. “Reading, crossword puzzles, games – anything mentally stimulating. Addressing hearing and vision problems, getting good sleep, controlling blood pressure and treating depression are also important.”

These habits are sensible ways to support overall health, but they cannot guarantee that Alzheimer’s will be avoided. Changes in memory and thinking still deserve evaluation. If you are worried about yourself or someone you love, you do not need to figure out the cause alone. Speak with a primary care practitioner to better understand what is happening and start a plan for personalized care.

• Diane Morgan is a freelance writer covering health, wellness and community topics for LMH Health.