Every September, people from all over come together to celebrate World Alzheimer’s Month by raising awareness, challenging the stigma and discrimination surrounding dementia, and encouraging one important step: early detection.  

The Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI)’s 2026 theme, “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters,” highlights the power of knowing sooner. An early Alzheimer’s diagnosis can help rule out other potential causes of memory loss, provide opportunities to manage symptoms and slow decline. It also gives individuals and their loved ones more time to plan for the future.  

Knowledge of Alzheimer’s can bring clarity, and resources and support can remind us that no one has to navigate the diagnosis alone.  

This World Alzheimer’s Month, let’s take action by exploring definitions, warning signs, and the benefits of early detection. Most importantly, learn how recognizing the signs today can help you or someone you love to prepare for tomorrow.  

What is Alzheimer’s?  

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease and the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60–70% of dementia cases. Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in memory, thinking, and other cognitive abilities that can affect a person’s everyday life. While dementia can affect people of many ages, the risk increases as we get older.  

Over time, Alzheimer’s can lead to changes in memory, cognitive functioning, behavior, and daily abilities. While there is currently no cure, an early diagnosis can make a meaningful difference. It gives individuals and their loved ones more time to understand the diagnosis, explore care and treatment options, make plans, and build a strong support system.  

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With early detection, supportive care, and the right resources, you can take meaningful steps toward preparing for the future. 

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s  

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean someone has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. If you or a loved one notices persistent changes in memory, thinking, behavior, or daily abilities, talk with a healthcare professional for an appropriate evaluation. 

• Memory loss disrupting daily activities: A common early sign of Alzheimer’s is memory loss that begins to interfere with everyday life, such as repeatedly asking the same questions, relying increasingly on lists or reminders, or forgetting recently learned information. 

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks: People with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to complete tasks they have done plenty of times before, such as driving to the store, making their favorite recipe, or remembering the steps to their favorite hobby.  

• Confusion with time and place: People with Alzheimer’s may lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time, or become disoriented about where they are or how they arrived there. 

• Vision changes: Some people with Alzheimer’s may experience vision changes, causing them to have trouble walking, reading, driving, etc.  

• Problems speaking and writing: Some people with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following conversations, leading to them being confused about where to take it; they might repeat themselves or struggle with what vocabulary to use.  

• Misplacing things: A person with dementia may place objects in random spots and have difficulty retracing their steps. This leads to confusion and accusations of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.  

• Poor Judgement: A person with dementia may begin to neglect daily living activities, such as grooming, taking care of their home, or managing money.  

• Withdrawal from social activities: Due to their difficulty following conversations, people with Alzheimer’s might withdraw from social interactions.  

• Changes in mood: Alzheimer’s can cause a wide range of behavioral and mood changes, including confusion, fear, irritability, depression, etc. From this stems the tendency to be upset with their friends, family, and strangers.  

Why is Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Important?  

Early Treatment: Some FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s are intended for people with early-stage disease. Early diagnosis can help eligible individuals and their healthcare providers discuss whether these treatments and other care options are appropriate. 

Find Other Causes: Early testing can help doctors rule out other causes and treat reversible conditions that mimic memory loss.  

Planning Decision-Making Choices: Patients can make financial, legal, and medical choices about their care while they still have the cognitive ability to do so.  

Being Prepared Financially: Ongoing treatment can be expensive; by having early detection of Alzheimer’s, families can prepare themselves for future costs. Additionally, early detection could potentially lower the risk of emergency hospitalization from the disease and delay the need for expensive full-time care.  

Build a Support Team: Early detection can create a support team for the patient, such as family members, friends, healthcare providers, and other people within their community. People with Alzheimer’s disease don’t have to go through the diagnosis alone; there are plenty of people out there willing to support them through this overwhelming stage of life.  

How Can In-Home Care Help With Alzheimer’s? 

With early detection of Alzheimer’s, patients don’t immediately have to jump to the expensive option of hiring an in-home nurse or going to a live-in facility. Hiring an in-home caregiver is a cost-effective way to ensure patients with Alzheimer’s are provided with personalized daily assistance and safety supervision while keeping them in the comfort of their home.  

An early diagnosis can also give families time to explore care options that support safety, independence, and quality of life at home. For some individuals, in-home caregiving can provide personalized assistance with daily activities while allowing them to remain in a familiar environment. 

If you or a loved one is navigating in-home care options due to Alzheimer’s, Todd’s in Home Care is here to help. Our compassionate caregivers provide extensive and quality service to our clients, ensuring they are respected and dignified as they navigate this new stage of life.  

Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a free consultation.  

Email: Info@toddsinhomecare.com

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References:

World’s Alzheimer’s Month – Alzheimer’s Disease International

September is World Alzheimer’s Month – Arjo

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Alzheimer’s Association

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s – Centers of Disease Control and Prevention