Early detection offers significant benefits for the person diagnosed and their loved ones. When you notice a difference, trust yourself, talk to a loved one, and see a doctor.

Cynthia's Story

A retired nurse, loving wife, and mother.

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Cynthia's Interview Audio

Cynthia: “The first time, I was at a stop sign, and it was just like I woke up there, and I looked around, and I didn’t know where I was, and I even looked down to make sure I had clothes on.”

Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget or become confused about where they are.
Cynthia: “[But] When you’re out there, like, walking in the woods and thinking ‘What’s wrong with me? How come I keep doing this?’ - there’s answers. There are real answers that will make you feel better.”

Confusion with time or place

People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget or become confused about where they are.

Cynthia's Story Summary

Having been a nurse, Cynthia knew the changes she was experiencing were not normal. With the help of her doctor and family, she was diagnosed.

Mario's Story

A retired painter and loving husband.

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Mario's Interview Audio

Mario: “Little by little I realized I had a problem. That I did have a mental deficiency that made me forget many moments of my life.”

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's disease is forgetting recently learned information. Others include not being able to recall a conversation or event even after being reminded, and repeating the same questions over and over.
Mario: “She started to notice and I started asking for her help. I started telling her that I was forgetting to do the things she asked me to.”

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's disease is forgetting recently learned information. Others include not being able to recall a conversation or event even after being reminded, and repeating the same questions over and over.

Mario's Story Summary

Mario started forgetting, which made it difficult for him to work effectively. With the help of his wife and doctor he received a diagnosis.

Julie's Story

A long time volunteer and speaker of six languages.

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Julie's Interview Audio

Julie: “I was a math major, and I could barely do simple arithmetic; I knew something was wrong.”

Challenges in planning or solving problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble concentrating or following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
Les: “When she came to me in 2015 or so and said: there is something wrong, this isn’t just me forgetting my keys, there is something going on in my brain. That's when she became far more open with those things. And that has only grown over time.”

Misplacing things

A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. They may accuse others of stealing when they can't remember where they placed something.

Julie's Story Summary

Les urged Julie to see a doctor when he started to notice changes. The diagnosis has helped to ease their anxiety and open up their communication.

Theresa's Story

A retired social worker and community volunteer.

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Theresa's Interview Audio

Theresa: “Others could see I was different, but I didn't realize I was different.”

Changes in mood and personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may become easily upset as well.
Shon: “Looking back, I wish I knew what I know now. But, looking back, I think we all would have been a little bit more proactive with getting her to the doctor.”

Difficulty completing familiar tasks

People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a checkbook or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

Theresa's Story Summary

When Shon noticed a change in Theresa, she urged her mom to get help and see a doctor. Shon was surprised by her mom's diagnosis at age 58.

Tom's Story

A retired professor, animal lover, loving husband and father.

Tom's Interview Audio

Tom: “I was in the classroom one day...teaching my class that I'd taught for years and years and years. And I was asking questions of my students, and all of the sudden, I couldn't remember the answers to the questions.”

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's disease is forgetting recently learned information. Others include not being able to recall a conversation or event even after being reminded, and repeating the same questions over and over.
Tom: “I was so relieved when I had a diagnosis... For the first time, I could put my finger on what was happening in my life and that meant so much to me. It gave me great comfort because I realized that there would be support for that kind of issue...”

Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's disease is forgetting recently learned information. Others include not being able to recall a conversation or event even after being reminded, and repeating the same questions over and over.

Tom's Story Summary

Tom knew something was wrong when he began forgetting the material he had taught for years. With the support of Levi, he saw a doctor.

Conversation Starters and Resources

If you notice changes in yourself or a loved one, it's important to talk about it and see a doctor. The resources below can help guide your conversation.

Memory loss

"Lately, I can’t remember what I did yesterday. The memory loss is a problem and I think we should see a doctor about it."

Seeing a doctor is the best step towards an early diagnosis.


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"I forget a lot and it is making it hard to be myself. It may be something serious so let's please see a doctor."

If you notice a change, trust your gut and reach out for help.


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Challenges in planning

"I don't feel comfortable paying bills lately and this used to be easy for me. It might be something serious."

You can always reach out to our 24/7 helpline at 800.272.3900 for support.


"It’s getting harder and harder for me to concentrate. Big things, little things. Let's go see a doctor."

The earlier a diagnosis, the earlier you can get the care that you need.


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Difficulty completing tasks

"I'm forgetting how to do things at work. It might be serious, and I want to talk to a doctor about my concerns."

Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a normal part of aging.


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"Daily tasks I have done a thousand times are now feeling unfamiliar. We should talk to a doctor."

Make sure you bring everything you need to your doctor's appointment.


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Resources

If you're concerned that you or your loved one may have Alzheimer's, you are not alone. Use these helpful resources or call our 24/7 helpline at 800.272.3900 for immediate assistance.

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