Many people experience occasional forgetfulness as they age, such as misplacing keys or forgetting a name for a moment. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are different. They involve changes in memory, thinking, language, judgment, or behavior that become significant enough to interfere with daily life.
What Alzheimer’s Disease Is
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive brain disorder that damages nerve cells and affects how different areas of the brain communicate. Over time, this can lead to changes in memory, reasoning, communication, and behavior. While Alzheimer’s disease is more common in older adults, it is not a normal part of aging.
Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms that affect memory, language, and thinking abilities. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for about 60% to 80% of all dementia cases, but there are other types, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia. Because symptoms can overlap, a medical evaluation is important to better understand what may be causing changes.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Memory loss is often the symptom people think of first, but Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can affect more than memory. Warning signs may include confusion, difficulty following conversations, trouble completing familiar tasks, changes in judgment, problems with planning or organizing, getting lost in familiar places, personality or behavior changes, sleep disturbances, or increased restlessness.
Family members may notice these changes before the person experiencing them does. It can be hard to start the conversation, but sharing concerns early can make a meaningful difference. Some memory or thinking changes may be related to treatable conditions, such as medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, sleep problems, depression, infections, or thyroid issues. A timely evaluation can help identify the cause and guide next steps.
How Diagnosis and Treatment Can Help
There is no single test that diagnoses every type of dementia. A neurology evaluation may include a review of symptoms, medical history, medications, physical and neurological exams, memory and thinking assessments, blood or urine tests, and imaging when appropriate. Neuropsychological testing may also help evaluate attention, language, memory, reasoning, mood, and other thinking skills.
Although Alzheimer’s disease cannot currently be cured, treatment and support can help manage symptoms, improve safety, and support quality of life. Care plans may include medications, lifestyle changes, management of other health conditions, therapy services, caregiver support, and planning for future needs. Early diagnosis also gives patients and families more time to understand the condition, ask questions, and make informed decisions together.
Supporting Brain Health at Every Age
While not every case of dementia can be prevented, healthy habits can support the brain and overall well-being. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, quality sleep, social connection, mental stimulation, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol all play a role. It is also important to avoid smoking, limit alcohol, protect your head from injury, and talk with your health care provider about hearing, vision, mood, and sleep concerns.
Brain health is lifelong health. If you or someone you love is experiencing memory or thinking changes that are new, worsening, or affecting daily life, do not dismiss them as simply getting older. Start with a primary care provider or a neurology specialist. Asking for help early can lead to answers, resources, and support for both patients and caregivers.
by Suhag Patel, PA-C
UPMC Neurological Institute
Suhag Patel, PA-C, is with UPMC Neurological Institute in North Central Pa. and sees patients in Williamsport, Lewisburg, and Lock Haven. To schedule an appointment with Suhag in Williamsport or Lock Haven, call 570-321-2820, and for Lewisburg, 570- 522-8328. For more information, visit UPMC.com/NeuroNCPA.
