What If Forgetfulness Isn’t “Just Aging”? Why Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Matters

Everyone forgets things sometimes. Misplacing keys. Forgetting a name. Walking into a room and losing your train of thought.

But when memory changes begin interfering with everyday life, or when loved ones start noticing increasing confusion, repeated questions, or personality changes, it may be time to look deeper.

For families facing Alzheimer’s disease, early detection can make a significant difference. And thanks to advances in treatment available at Hancock Health, patients diagnosed in the earliest stages may have access to options that simply didn’t exist a few years ago.

According to Hancock Health neurologist Dr. Joshua East, that’s changing the conversation around Alzheimer’s care, and offering new hope for patients and families across East Central Indiana.

One of the challenges with Alzheimer’s disease is that symptoms often begin subtly and gradually worsen over time. 

In its early stages, people may experience:

“These symptoms are often dismissed as normal aging,” Dr. East explained in recent interviews about Hancock Health’s new Alzheimer’s treatment program. But recognizing changes early is important – especially now that treatment options are evolving. 

For many years, Alzheimer’s care focused mainly on managing symptoms after the disease had significantly progressed.

Today, newer FDA-approved therapies are helping shift the focus toward earlier intervention.

Hancock Health recently began offering anti-amyloid infusion therapy for eligible patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The treatment uses antibodies designed to target amyloid plaques, or abnormal protein deposits in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

While these therapies are not cures, studies show they may help slow the progression of cognitive decline in certain patients when started early. 

Dr. East notes this gives patients an option that they didn’t have before. That’s why timing matters.

These treatments are generally intended for patients in the mild or early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, before more extensive brain changes occur. The sooner symptoms are evaluated, the more options patients may have.

If you or a loved one are concerned about memory changes, the first step is talking with a healthcare provider. 

An evaluation may include:

It’s important to note not all memory problems are caused by Alzheimer’s disease.  Sleep disorders, medication side effects, stress, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, depression, and other neurological conditions can affect memory and thinking. Identifying the underlying cause is essential; sometimes those causes are treatable.

For many families, accessing specialized Alzheimer’s treatment has traditionally required traveling to larger academic medical centers.

Hancock Health is helping change that by offering advanced infusion therapy for Alzheimer’s patients locally. That means some patients no longer have to travel long distances to receive ongoing care and treatment.

For families already navigating the emotional and logistical challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, staying closer to home matters.

It can be difficult to know when forgetfulness crosses the line from normal aging into something more concerning. 

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you or a loved one:

Even if symptoms are not caused by Alzheimer’s disease, getting answers early can provide peace of mind and help identify other treatable conditions. 

Your primary care doctor can help you determine the root cause of your or your loved one’s memory issues, and refer you to a neurologist or other specialist to further evaluate and treat you. 

If you would like to learn more about early testing for Alzheimer’s disease at Hancock Health or schedule an appointment with a specialist, Contactez-nous today. There is hope, and sometimes that starts with a single step.

Hancock Health, in partnership with the Alzheimer Association, invites you to join us for an informative discussion about brain health, including information from the latest US Pointer Study which highlight the benefits of exercise, diet, and cognitive stimulation to positively impact cognitive function. You will hear professional insight on actions and activities to incorporate into your daily life to preserve brain health and maintain a strong mind! Come prepared to ask questions in this community conversation featuring our distinguished panelists from both Hancock Health and the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Space is Limited! Reserve your seat: https://www.hancockhealth.org/event/lets-talk-about-aging-the-mind-matters/