When Alzheimer’s begins to touch a loved one’s life, it’s normal to feel uncertain.
What’s happening? What can be done? Is it Alzheimer’s—or just aging?
To help answer these important questions, The Kensington Reston hosted an empowering virtual event, “The Future of Alzheimer’s Care: Early Detection & Hope on the Horizon.”
This event featured two leading specialists from the Sutter Health Ray Dolby Brain Health Center, Dr. Armen Moughamian and Dr. Travis Urban, who explored the latest in Alzheimer’s research, early diagnosis tools, and the future of memory care.
Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s doesn’t announce itself loudly at first. It often begins with small, nearly invisible shifts—moments that feel off, but are easy to dismiss.
Learning to recognize the early Alzheimer’s symptoms could help you take essential steps sooner, opening the door to treatment, planning, and peace of mind.
Memory lapses that affect everyday life
While forgetting a name here and there is common, repeatedly asking the same questions or relying heavily on notes and reminders may be signs of something more.
Struggling with routine tasks
Familiar activities—like balancing a checkbook or following a recipe—can suddenly become confusing or frustrating.
Losing track of time or place
People may forget where they are, why they’re there, or what day it is. This disorientation often increases over time.
Vision and spatial difficulties
Reading, judging distances, or even recognizing faces may become a challenge, which can increase anxiety or cause withdrawal.
Communication struggles
Word-finding difficulties, stopping mid-sentence, or substituting the wrong word can become more frequent.
Pulling away from social engagements
A person may begin skipping events, avoiding hobbies, or isolating from friends due to confusion or frustration.
Personality or mood shifts
Increased irritability, confusion, depression, or suspiciousness are not uncommon as the brain changes.
Why identifying symptoms early matters
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, and while there is no cure yet, identifying symptoms early allows families to make informed decisions and gain access to valuable resources.
- Medical treatment: Earlier diagnosis often leads to better management of symptoms and a slower progression.
- Research participation: Clinical trials and new therapies are typically offered in the earlier stages of the disease.
- Future planning: Legal, financial, and long-term care discussions can happen with your loved one actively participating.
- Improved well-being: Lifestyle adjustments—including better nutrition, regular exercise, and cognitive activities—can have a greater impact when started early.
The 7 stages of Alzheimer’s
Every individual’s experience with Alzheimer’s varies, but there are typically seven common stages.
- No impairment: Cognitive decline can only be found through testing.
- Very mild impairment: This is one of the early stages where memory lapses begin to occur.
- Mild cognitive impairment: Early symptoms, such as significant memory lapses, are more noticeable in this stage.
- Moderate cognitive decline: Symptoms become more impactful to daily life, such as social withdrawal, difficulty with basic mental math, and difficulty managing daily tasks.
- Moderately severe symptoms: Confusion becomes apparent. Individuals may forget personal details and become disoriented about time and place. Assistance with daily activities becomes necessary.
- Severe cognitive decline: Memory and awareness worsen significantly, and personality changes may emerge. Extensive help with daily activities like dressing, bathing, and toileting may be necessary. Behavioral issues, including wandering, agitation, and delusions, can occur.
- Very severe cognitive decline: This is the final stage where individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, speak, and control movement. They require total assistance with all aspects of daily care.
As you can see, the condition is easier to manage in the earlier stages. Care plans for when Alzheimer’s progresses should be made at that time, while your loved one is still cognizant of what’s happening and can participate in discussions.
A memory care community, such as The Kensington Reston, offers three levels of memory care to adapt to resident needs in all stages of Alzheimer’s.
How to gently address early Alzheimer’s symptoms with a loved one
It’s never easy to raise your concerns when you notice changes in a loved one—but that honest, caring conversation is a powerful first step.
Create a safe space to talk. Be patient, kind, and non-judgmental. Focus on what you’ve observed and how you feel, rather than making it seem like an accusation.
Example:
“Lately, I’ve noticed you’ve been repeating questions and seem a little more frustrated than usual. I’m here for you, and I wonder if it might help to talk to a doctor together.“
Let them know they’re not alone. Reassure them that seeking help doesn’t mean losing control—it means gaining answers, together.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone—The Kensington Reston is here to walk beside you with compassion, expertise, and a promise to care for your loved one as family.
After the conversation
Once your loved one is open to exploring what’s happening, taking action becomes easier.
- Schedule a check-up: A thorough memory assessment is often the first step. For added support, offer to accompany them.
- Write down what you’ve noticed: Details matter. Make note of behaviors, patterns, and examples to share with the doctor.
- Explore local resources: Look into memory care communities, support groups, and educational events—like our upcoming webinar.
- Talk about preferences early: Understanding your loved one’s wishes about future care is helpful before symptoms progress.
- Visit a memory care community: Exploring places like The Kensington Reston before care is urgently needed gives everyone peace of mind.
Remember, you don’t have to figure this out on your own. The Kensington Reston is ready to support, educate, and walk this path with you.
Specialized memory care at The Kensington Reston
For those navigating an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, finding a community that understands memory loss and responds with both clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion is essential.
At The Kensington Reston, we deliver just that. Our memory care neighborhoods are specifically designed to meet residents where they are in their Alzheimer’s journey.
Key offerings include:
- Custom care plans crafted to fit individual needs and preferences
- On-site nurses available 24/7, ensuring constant medical oversight
- Innovative programming including music, art, pet therapy, and brain fitness
- On-site rehabilitation services
- Life-enrichment activities
- Exquisite dining
- Safe and thoughtfully designed spaces that promote independence and safety
- Open communication with families to maintain strong relationships and peace of mind
Our Promise at The Kensington Reston is unwavering: to love and care for your family as we would our own.
Let’s take the next step, together
Whether you’re just beginning to notice signs of memory loss or are already exploring care options, it’s never too early—or too late—to find support, understanding, and a plan that feels right.
At The Kensington Reston, we believe in the power of early connection, meaningful care, and building trust with families from day one.
We know how heavy this moment can feel. But we also know the peace that comes when you find a team that listens, guides, and walks every step of the journey with you.
Whether you need answers, guidance, or someone to talk to, we’re here and ready to help.
Contact The Kensington Reston or schedule a tour to learn more about our community, services, programs, and caregiver resources.