Picture this: You remind a parent about a conversation from yesterday, but they have no memory of it. Later, they ask a question you’ve already answered several times. You wonder if you should say something, and how to do it without making them feel embarrassed or afraid.

Does this sound familiar? Memory concerns can be easy to spot but difficult to talk about, whether you are noticing changes in yourself or someone else. Many people will attribute forgetfulness to getting older – and often, that’s all it is. But how will you know if it’s something more serious?

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, a good time to learn the signs of the disease and when to seek care. Knowing the difference between ordinary forgetfulness and the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s can help you decide when to ask for an evaluation.

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that damages and destroys nerve cells in the brain. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it is the most common cause of dementia, affecting 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 can vary from day to day, making familiar tasks easier on some days and harder on others. Difficulty managing everyday responsibilities can offer additional clues, as the progression of 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,” Dr. Stacy said.

From everyday observations to specialized evaluations

Raising a memory concern can feel uncomfortable. It can help to write down specific examples beforehand so you can explain what you have noticed.

Dr. Stacy encourages people to bring their worries forward even when the changes seem small.

“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 conduct an initial assessment of symptoms and order preliminary lab tests. If the findings suggest Alzheimer’s or a need for specialized evaluation, the primary care practitioner can provide a referral to neurology.

At Lawrence Neurology Specialists, experts like Dr. Stacy provide evaluations that consider the person’s memory, cognition and ability to manage daily activities. A combination of targeted questions, laboratory tests and brain imaging can help determine whether Alzheimer’s or another condition is responsible. Some problems that affect memory, including medication effects, depression or thyroid conditions, may be treatable.

Learning what is behind the symptoms helps determine what to do next. It’s important to remember that you do not have to be certain something is wrong before asking about it.

A care plan built around the person

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

For families, that may begin with managing medications, keeping appointments or handling bills. As the disease progresses, a person may need more assistance with meals, dressing and other everyday activities. Planning for changing needs gives the person with Alzheimer’s more opportunity to participate in decisions about their care.

Caregiver needs deserve attention, too. Learning how to respond to changes in behavior and communication can make daily interactions easier. Sharing responsibilities and arranging breaks from caregiving are practical ways to manage the demands over time. Neurology care teams also help patients and families discuss and revisit the plan as needs change.

Promoting brain health at every age

Dr. Stacy encourages healthy habits that may reduce risk and promote brain health. Staying physically active, eating well, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol intake and remaining socially engaged 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,” Dr. 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 practical ways to care for our health, but they cannot guarantee that someone will avoid Alzheimer’s. Changes in memory and cognition still deserve evaluation. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you love, you do not have to work out the cause on your own. Talk with your primary care practitioner to help you understand what is happening and begin a plan for personalized care.

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