Occasional forgetfulness, like misplacing items or struggling to recall a familiar name, can occur with age. However, some memory changes may signal a more serious problem. Knowing which changes to discuss with a doctor can help you make informed decisions about your health.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, and Senior Helpers is sharing how to tell everyday slips from the early signs of Alzheimer’s.

Normal Forgetfulness vs. Memory Problems

Doctors draw a line between the occasional slip and memory problems that interfere with daily life, and the National Institute on Aging's page on memory and aging lays it out clearly. Its examples of mild forgetfulness include forgetting an appointment and remembering it later or missing a monthly payment once. Both can be disconcerting at the time.

So pay attention to what a lapse does to your routine. A word that comes back an hour later is minor. Getting lost in a familiar place or struggling to keep up with monthly bills is different.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s to Watch For

The Alzheimer's Association lists 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Noticing one of them doesn’t mean something is wrong, but a pattern is worth recording. 

Examples from the list include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
• Trouble planning or solving problems.
• Confusion with time or place.
• There is a new difficulty with words in both speaking and writing.
• Changes in mood and personality.

None of these confirms a diagnosis. Several conditions can cause memory trouble. These include low vitamin B12 levels, medication side effects, and thyroid problems. Some of these conditions are treatable, so a doctor can help identify the cause.

A cheap spiral notebook by the phone works well for it. When something unusual happens, write down the date and a line about it.

Bringing It Up at an Appointment

Schedule a visit that is specifically focused on memory by calling or bringing the notebook to your next appointment. A family member or friend who has noticed changes can come along too, since a second view gives your doctor a fuller picture.

Ask which tests might help and what comes next. If an answer is unclear, ask again before you leave the exam room. 

An early visit gives you more time, and that time matters if a diagnosis does come. It lets you:

• Make legal and financial plans.
• Talk with family about what you’d want.
• Look into treatments that may help with symptoms for a while.

Planning Ahead on Your Terms

People living with early Alzheimer's often stay active in their daily lives for some time. The Alzheimer's Association has a section for people who have been diagnosed with tips for daily life and ideas for sharing a diagnosis with family and friends. 

Choose your helpers now. Deciding early what you want them to handle keeps the decisions in your hands and spares your family from guessing later.

Small habits at home help too. Keep keys in one bowl by the door, and set phone alarms for appointments.

Memory Care Support Near You

Memory changes can be among the early signs of Alzheimer's, sometimes affecting everyday activities such as remembering meals or keeping track of bills. Senior Helpers offers in-home care through the Senior Gems program. The program trains caregivers to support people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias through companionship, consistent routines, reminders, and help with everyday tasks.

When needs shift, the team adjusts how they help, and your family keeps seeing the same familiar faces. Click here to find a location near you.