To mark World Alzheimer’s Month, we’re sharing information from the Alzheimer’s Association about assessing memory loss and when to get help.
Learn more at the Cleveland area chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Various conditions can cause short-term or long-term memory loss and affect thinking or behavior.
It can be difficult to know what to do if you’ve noticed changes in yourself or a family member or friend — particularly changes related to memory loss, thinking or behavior. It may just be normal forgetfulness, or it may be something more serious.
It’s natural to feel uncertain about voicing your worries because that can make them seem more “real.” However, these are significant health concerns, and it’s important to take action to figure out what’s going on.
Assess the situation
- What changes in memory, thinking or behavior do you notice?
What have you noticed that’s out of the ordinary and causing concern? - What else is going on?
Various conditions can cause short-term or long-term memory loss and affect thinking or behavior. Are there any health or lifestyle issues that could be a factor? These may include family stressors or medical problems like diabetes or depression. - Has anyone else noticed changes?
Has a family member or friend expressed concerns? What did he or she notice? - Are any of these changes a sign or symptom of Alzheimer’s or another dementia?
View the 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s to check if they’re on the list.
Start a conversation
- Who should participate in the conversation to discuss concerns?
If you’ve noticed changes in yourself, confide in a person you trust. If you’ve noticed changes in someone else, the person who has the conversation could be you, a trusted family member or friend or a combination of these individuals. - What is the best time and place to have this conversation?
Have the conversation as soon as possible. Choose a time and location that will be comfortable for everyone involved. - How will you approach the conversation?
Try the following if you’ve noticed changes in yourself:- I’ve noticed [blank] in myself, and I’m concerned. Have you noticed anything about me that worries you?
Try the following if you’ve noticed changes in someone else:
- I’ve noticed [blank] in you, and I’m concerned. Have you noticed it? Are you worried?
- How have you been feeling lately? You haven’t seemed like yourself.
- I noticed you [specific example], and it worried me. Has anything else like that happened?
