Alzheimer's & Dementia: What to Watch For and What to Do

Worried about memory slips in yourself or someone you care about? Small forgetfulness happens to everyone. The difference with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is how those memory problems affect daily life. This page gives clear, practical steps—what to notice, when to act, and simple things families can do right away.

Quick check: early signs to watch for

Noticing one or two signs doesn’t mean dementia. But watch for patterns or changes over months: repeating questions, getting lost on familiar routes, trouble managing bills, losing track of conversations, personality shifts, or problems with planning. Also look for physical signs like trouble with balance or sudden changes in sleep and appetite.

If memory problems start affecting daily tasks—like cooking, driving, or paying bills—make an appointment with a doctor. Early diagnosis helps with planning and treatment options.

How doctors diagnose and what they do

A primary care doctor usually starts with a medical history, simple memory tests, blood work and sometimes brain imaging. They’ll check for reversible causes like low B12, thyroid issues, infections, or medication side effects. If needed, you’ll be referred to a neurologist or memory clinic for more tests.

Treatments can’t cure Alzheimer’s yet, but some medicines—donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine—can help with symptoms for many people. Doctors also focus on treating other conditions that make thinking worse: high blood pressure, poor sleep, depression, and uncontrolled blood sugar.

Want practical things you can do now? Try these steps.

Practical steps for families and caregivers

1) See a doctor early. Get baseline tests and ask for follow-up plans. 2) Control vascular risks. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes raise dementia risk—managing them is one of the best prevention strategies. 3) Keep a routine. Simple daily schedules reduce confusion and stress. 4) Safety first: remove tripping hazards, lock up dangerous items, and use labels or notes around the home. 5) Medication check: have a pharmacist review all prescription and over‑the‑counter drugs. Some meds can worsen memory.

6) Boost brain health: regular walking, social contact, mentally challenging activities, and good sleep help. Even 20–30 minutes of brisk walking most days makes a difference. 7) Plan ahead: talk about legal and financial wishes while the person can participate. 8) Caregiver support: join a support group and set realistic expectations—care is demanding and you need breaks.

If you have diabetes or are caring for someone with diabetes, ask the doctor how blood sugar control affects memory. Poor glucose control and repeated low blood sugar episodes can speed cognitive decline, so tighter diabetes care matters here.

If you're unsure what to do next, start with one appointment and one safety change at home. Small steps add up, and getting help early protects both the person with memory issues and the people who care for them.