You’ve torn through the house again looking for your phone, blanked on a familiar name, or been told you just repeated something you said five minutes before. A fear flashes: is this normal forgetfulness, or something more serious?
Mental lapses happen to everyone; stress, fatigue and distraction play their part. “Occasional forgetfulness is normal, especially with stress or poor sleep,” said Katie Skolsky, dementia specialist at NewBridge Services. But when early signs of Alzheimer’s begin to interfere with everyday life, getting a professional assessment is crucial.
An estimated 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and the most common cause of dementia, which describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, reasoning, communication, judgment and personality.
Alzheimer’s Symptoms vs Normal Aging
The early Alzheimer’s warning signs in older adults often present similarly to what people expect to experience from aging: trouble coming up with a common word, struggling with managing finances and becoming more withdrawn. When shifts begin to disrupt routines or relationships, it’s time to find out if dementia is the cause.
What to Do When Dementia Symptoms Appear
Skolsky urges people to notice patterns in memory lapses — how often they happen, whether they’re getting worse, and how they affect daily life. “Don’t self-diagnose,” she advised, and instead see a professional promptly.
“Start with a primary care provider; they can perform screening tests and refer you to a neurologist or memory clinic if needed,” she said. Those exams can rule out dementia entirely. Depression, anxiety, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies and medication side effects can all mimic its symptoms.
She also recommends brain-healthy habits: “Regular exercise, social engagement, balanced diet, mental stimulation and good sleep all support cognitive health.”
Alzheimer’s Education and Support for Families
Skolsky said families need to acknowledge what they’re feeling. “Fear, frustration and grief are natural for both the person affected and the family,” she said. Recognizing those emotions can make it easier to seek help.
When early symptoms point to dementia, she advises families to educate themselves and prepare together. “Families often delay seeking help because they’re afraid of the diagnosis or don’t want to overreact,” she said. “But early assessment isn’t just about labeling a disease; it’s about getting answers, ruling out reversible causes, and giving everyone time to plan and adapt with dignity.”
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments can slow its progression. Combined with early support and thoughtful planning, those steps can significantly improve quality of life for both individuals and families.
She encourages discussing priorities and care preferences while the person with memory changes can still participate. That approach helps preserve dignity, choice and stability while easing stress for everyone involved. Skolsky also recommends families seek guidance from memory clinics, the Alzheimer’s Association and local caregiver support groups, which can provide both information and emotional connection.
Alzheimer’s Support and Education in Northern New Jersey
Skolsky directs NewBridge at Home, which provides in-home counseling and support for older adults and caregivers at no cost to them. Through that work, she has seen how early information and empathy can steady families who are frightened and uncertain. View the NewBridge at Home flyer to learn more about the program.
She also developed a community program that helps residents and senior groups understand what to do when dementia symptoms appear, including strategies for communication, daily routines and caregiver self-care. The no-fee course, supported by Chilton Medical Center, extends NewBridge expertise into the community.
Skolsky’s message this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is clear: if you’re worried about memory changes, get checked out. Early evaluation brings answers, eases anxiety and gives families the best chance to plan for the future.
