Spotting the Signs

As families come together for the holidays over the next several weeks, people will have the chance to spend extended quality time with their aging loved ones. 

While these moments bring a lot of joy, they can also reveal subtle changes in memory, behavior, or communication that might go unnoticed throughout the rest of the year. 

Memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia affect more than the ability to remember. They change a person’s cognitive abilities, which include thinking, reasoning and concentration. Memory disorders can also bring unexpected changes that cause stress and uncertainty for patients and their loved ones.

Audrey Sanders, DO, Trinity Health Medical Group, Neurology, shares some signs you can look for – and recognizing them could make a big difference.  

What are some early signs of Alzheimer’s that people may notice during holiday gatherings?

When families come together, subtle changes can be easier to spot. Early signs include:

• Memory lapses, like forgetting names of close family members or retelling the same story multiple times.
• Confusion in familiar environments
• Difficulty following conversations
• Changes in judgment
• Withdrawal from group activities
• Sudden mood or personality shifts

You may also notice that your loved one may have more difficulty with keeping up with household chores and that their living environment is not as well kept. 

If these behaviors seem new or are getting worse, it’s important to take them seriously.

What should you do if you notice any of those changes?

Start by having a compassionate, open conversation with your loved one about your observations. It’s a difficult conversation, so it’s important they know you’re coming from a place of caring and concern. 

The next step is connecting with their primary care provider for a cognitive evaluation. Early evaluation can help rule out other causes – like medication side effects, thyroid disorders, sleep disorders (like sleep apnea), or depression. It can also lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective care planning. 

Why is early detection of Alzheimer’s important?

Early detection helps providers identify cognitive changes before they affect daily life. It can lead to treatments that may slow progression, assist families in planning for safety and support needs, and provide access to community resources, education and caregiver support. 

How can individuals and families get started if they’re concerned about memory changes?

The best first step is scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider who can perform initial evaluation and testing and determine whether a referral to a neurologist or memory care specialist is needed. 

Watch the interview with Dr. Sanders on Fox 17

Learn more about Trinity Health’s memory care programs and specialists.