September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a time to raise awareness, share knowledge, and support families living with dementia. At ACCESS Care at Home, we see how powerful early recognition and compassionate care can be for both seniors and their loved ones.
Alzheimer’s is not a regular part of aging. Forgetting a name or misplacing keys happens to all of us, but Alzheimer’s gradually affects memory, thinking, and daily routines in a way that goes beyond typical forgetfulness. Knowing what to watch for gives families the chance to plan, find resources, and get the right care in place.
10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life – Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or asking the same question again and again.
- Difficulty with planning or problem–solving – Struggling to follow a recipe, manage bills, or keep track of steps in a familiar task.
- Trouble completing everyday tasks – Having a hard time driving to a well–known location or remembering how to play a favorite game.
- Confusion about time or place – Losing track of days, seasons, or even where they are .
- Vision and spatial challenges – Difficulty judging distance, reading, or recognizing familiar faces and reflections.
- Changes in communication – Trouble finding the right words, following conversations, or repeating themselves often.
- Misplacing items – Putting belongings in unusual places and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
- Poor judgment – Making choices that are unusual, like mishandling money or neglecting personal care.
- Withdrawal from activities – Pulling back from work, hobbies, or social gatherings they once enjoyed.
- Shifts in mood and personality – Becoming anxious, suspicious, easily upset, or confused in new situations.
Adapted from the Alzheimer’s Association’s “10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.” Learn more at alz.org.
Recognizing these signs early gives families more time to adjust, explore treatments, and build a support system. It can help reduce stress and give loved ones the reassurance that they are not alone.
At ACCESS Care at Home, our caregivers are here to support families with kindness and respect. Whether it’s help with daily routines, companionship, or providing a break for family caregivers, we’re here to walk alongside you.
If you’re noticing changes in a loved one, you don’t have to face it alone. This September, let’s keep the conversation going. Talk with your loved ones, ask questions, and reach out for support. Together, we can reduce stigma and help more families get the care they deserve.