Doctor advises families on memory changes during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, prompting attention to memory changes and aging. Dr. Kristen Wyrick, a family medicine physician with Optum Washington, said mild cognitive impairment is common in people in their 80s and 90s and isn’t always due to dementia, especially if a person hasn’t experienced a functional decline in their daily tasks.

Dr. Wyrick advises older adults to see a doctor if they or a loved one notice memory changes. Early diagnosis of dementia allows for earlier access to treatments, resources, and education, which can improve patient outcomes, she said.

Many patients leave appointments reassured that their memory concerns are due to normal age-related mild cognitive impairment rather than dementia, according to Dr. Wyrick. This helps reduce anxiety and ensures appropriate care.

The death of actor Patrick Stewart, following what was described as a brief battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, has renewed attention on brain health and aging. Both conditions are progressive forms of dementia.

Families are encouraged to be vigilant about memory changes and seek medical advice promptly to distinguish between normal aging and more serious cognitive issues.