5 Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s You Shouldn’t Ignore

Every brain ages over time — that’s natural. Occasionally forgetting a name or where you left your keys is also normal. 

But Alzheimer’s is different than simply aging. It’s a progressive brain disease that gradually impairs memory, thinking, and daily function. Unlike benign forgetfulness, Alzheimer’s symptoms worsen and interfere with life.

November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — a great time to learn more about this disease that affects over 6 million Americans.

At Advanced Medical Care, we help people and families throughout Queens and Brooklyn, New York, spot red flags early so we can design a care plan together. Catching dementia and Alzheimer’s in its early stage gives you a better chance at slowing decline, managing symptoms, and planning for the future.

Alzheimer’s vs. normal aging vs. other dementia

At first glance, these conditions seem to overlap, but as you look more closely, you see how they differ. 

Normal aging may slow down the speed of recall or require more effort to remember, but it does not interfere significantly with daily tasks. When given cues, you often recover those memories.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) lies in between — some memory or thinking changes beyond normal aging, but not enough to disrupt independence. Some cases of MCI remain stable; others progress toward Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative dementia where memory, reasoning, language, and judgment decline progressively, often affecting daily living.

There are also other dementia types (e.g., vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia) whose symptoms overlap but have different underlying causes.

The pace, pattern, and combination of symptoms often help distinguish Alzheimer’s from other causes.

Five subtle early signs to watch for

We want all our patients and their families to know how to spot the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. If you or a loved one notices these signs happening more than occasionally, consult with our specialists.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

Forgetting recently learned information over and over — such as asking the same question repeatedly, or missing appointments — is more serious than occasional forgetfulness.

2. Difficulty planning or solving problems

Trouble working with numbers, following familiar recipes, and keeping track of monthly bills — these can be early signals that executive functioning is slipping.

3. Losing track of time or place

Getting confused about dates, seasons, or where you are (even in places you’ve known for years) suggests impairment beyond normal aging.

4. Trouble with familiar tasks

You may struggle to complete tasks you’ve always done — driving a normal route, using appliances, or managing errands becomes unexpectedly difficult.

5. Changes in judgment, mood, or personality

You could see poor decision-making (e.g., handling money poorly), withdrawal from social activities, increased irritability or anxiety, or unusually lax attention to grooming or hygiene.

Why early professional help matters

You might wonder — if there’s no cure, does early evaluation really matter? The answer is yes. Early detection opens doors to treatments that can:

• Slow symptom progression helps preserve brain function longer
• Help manage behavioral symptoms (agitation, mood swings) before they escalate
• Allow patients and families to plan financially, legally, and personally before the disease progresses
• Improve quality of life with lifestyle, cognitive training, and support interventions
• Open possibilities for participating in clinical trials or newer therapies

Alzheimer’s medications work best when introduced earlier in the disease course. Plus, support services, education, and structured care plans help families navigate challenges more smoothly.

If you’ve noticed memory changes, confusion, or behavioral shifts — either in yourself or a loved one — don’t wait. Early evaluation is your best move.

Call Advanced Medical Care or book online to schedule a neurocognitive evaluation with our dementia specialists. Early detection and individualized care can make all the difference.