Early signs of cognitive changes are significant health concerns, and it’s important to take action to figure out what’s going on. Have a conversation If you’ve noticed any of the signs in yourself, confide in someone you trust. 

If you’ve noticed memory changes in someone else, think about who would be best to approach the person, whether it’s you or another trusted family member or friend. Have the conversation as soon as possible in a location that will be comfortable for everyone involved. 

Try opening the conversation with your loved one with the following conversation starters:

• I’ve noticed [blank] in you, and I’m concerned. Have you noticed it? Are you worried?

• How have you been feeling lately? You haven’t seemed like yourself.

• I noticed you [specific example], and it worried me. Has anything else like that happened?

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Encourage your loved one to see a doctor together for a full medical evaluation. Try approaching the conversation with the following:

• There are lots of things that could cause these changes, and dementia may or may not be one of them. Let’s see if the doctor can help us figure out what’s going on.

• The sooner we know what’s causing these problems, the sooner we can address them.

• I think it would give us both peace of mind if we talked with a doctor.

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If needed, have multiple conversations. The first conversation may not be successful. Some people attribute problems with memory, thinking or behavior to stress or normal aging and may not take your concerns seriously. Write down some notes about the experience to help you plan for the next conversation. Consider the location, day and time; what worked well and what didn’t; who was involved; the end result; and what could be done differently the next time.

Visit alz.org/memoryconcerns for more tips on approaching memory concerns.​​