Did you know June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month?
This serves as an opportunity to educate ourselves and our patients, support those affected by the disease, and take proactive steps to maintain optimal brain health. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, and two-thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor for dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2026). Here are some common early signs that can be seen:
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Memory loss that disrupts daily life
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Challenges in planning or solving problems
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Difficulty completing familiar tasks
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Confusion with time or place
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Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
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New problems with words in speaking or writing
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Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
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Decreased or poor judgment
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Withdrawal from work or social activities
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and typical age-related changes?
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Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia |
Typical Age-Related Changes |
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Poor judgment and decision-making |
Making a bad decision once in a while |
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Inability to manage a budget |
Missing a monthly payment |
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Losing track of the date or the season |
Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later |
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Difficulty having a conversation |
Sometimes forgetting which word to use |
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Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them |
Losing things from time to time |
(Alzheimer’s Association, 2026).
Ways to promote adequate brain health include a combination of regular physical exercise, a nutritious diet, quality sleep, and mental stimulation. Vital strategies include managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, staying socially active, protecting your head from injury, and limiting alcohol while not smoking (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Early detection of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia is vital and offers significant benefits, including greater access to treatment options and the ability to plan for the future. Make an appointment at Annapolis Family Medicine for a comprehensive cognitive evaluation and to learn more about available screening tests and next steps. For Alzheimer’s disease specifically, there are newer treatments that have been shown to slow down the progression. While not curative, these medicines can provide more time with loved ones and to get affairs in order (Alzheimer’s Association, 2026).
If you or a loved one are concerned about their memory or showing signs of possible dementia, call us at 410-280-9500 to schedule your cognitive assessment evaluation.
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (2026). 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia. https://www.alz.org/
Mayo Clinic. (2023). 8 brain health tips for a healthier you. https://www.mayoclinic.org/
