Mom's been pretty forgetful lately, more than usual for her age. She misplaced her keys twice this week and forgot my birthday for the first time ever. I'm probably overreacting, but Alzheimer's runs in our family and I'm freaking out a bit. What are some early warning signs I should watch for? And how do I bring this up without scaring her?
It’s understandable to worry, especially with family history. Watch for things like repeated questions, confusion in familiar places, or trouble with daily tasks. Maybe suggest a routine check-up and frame it as general health, not Alzheimer’s.
From what I've learned, some early signs to watch for are stuff like forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, or having trouble following recipes or managing bills. It's not just about memory though - watch out for mood changes or if she's withdrawing from hobbies she used to love. As for bringing it up, maybe start by casually asking if she's noticed any changes herself. Just keep it light and supportive and remember, forgetfulness doesn't always mean Alzheimer's.