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Assessing Memory Changes

If you notice changes in a family member’s memory, thinking, or behavior, it can be concerning. The Alzheimer’s Association offers the following tips on how to assess the situation, offer support, and prepare to take action if needed.

Assess the Situation

• What changes in memory, thinking, or behavior do you see that are out of the ordinary and causing concern?
• Are there health or lifestyle issues could be causing changes?
• Have other friends or family noticed the changes?
• Learn about the signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Take note if your loved one has any of the symptoms.

Have a Conversation with the Individual

• A trusted family member or friend should speak one-on-one to the individual.
• Have the conversation as soon as possible and choose a place where the person will feel most comfortable.
• Let the person know that you’ve noticed changes. Asked if they have noticed them as well. Ask if anything else has happened or if there’s anything they are worried about.
• You may need to have multiple conversations. Write down some notes about the conversation to plan for the next one. What worked well? What didn’t work well? What can be done differently?
• Offer to go with the individual to a doctor if they’re willing. Share that there could be other reasons for the changes, and the sooner the cause is determined, the sooner it can be addressed.