While working on my review of Alzheimer's disease and brain hemorrhage, one fact kept returning to me: the disease begins in the brain years, even decades, before the first forgotten name or repeated question.
In our families, relatives often notice first, and then wait. Out of respect, out of fear, or because "he is just getting older."
Signs families notice
Asking the same question again and again
Getting lost in familiar places
Struggling to find the right words
Changes in mood or personality
What early assessment gives
Finds treatable causes — thyroid, vitamin B12, depression, medication effects
Earlier access to treatment and support
Time to plan care and decisions together
The point
An early assessment is not a label; it is time. Time to plan, to treat what can be treated, and to protect a person's dignity.
Neurology
Alzheimer's disease
Dementia
Brain health