Alzheimer's Disease: Early Signs, Risk Factors, and How We Can Help

Alzheimer's disease affects 6.9 million Americans — a number projected to reach 13 million by 2050. It is the most common cause of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Despite this, most families wait 2–3 years after noticing symptoms before seeking a diagnosis.

Early warning signs: Memory loss that disrupts daily life (forgetting recently learned information, asking the same questions repeatedly). Difficulty planning or solving problems. Confusion with time or place. Trouble with spatial relationships and visual images. New problems with words — finding the right word, following a conversation. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Decreased judgment. Withdrawal from social activities or hobbies. Changes in mood or personality.

Normal aging vs. Alzheimer's: Normal aging causes occasional forgetfulness — forgetting a name but remembering it later, misplacing glasses. Alzheimer's causes forgetting entire conversations or events, repeatedly asking the same question, and getting lost in familiar places.

Diagnosis: Early diagnosis opens the door to treatments, allows patients to participate in care planning while still able to do so, and may allow access to clinical trials. Evaluation includes cognitive testing, brain MRI, and increasingly, amyloid PET scans or blood-based biomarkers (amyloid beta, phospho-tau) which can detect Alzheimer's pathology years before symptoms emerge.

New treatments: The FDA has approved lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab — anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies that slow the rate of cognitive decline by 35% in early Alzheimer's. These are the first drugs to alter the course of the disease rather than just manage symptoms. SilverOak's Memory Care Program is an approved infusion site for lecanemab.

Risk reduction: While genetics play a role, modifiable factors account for up to 40% of Alzheimer's risk. Regular aerobic exercise, a heart-healthy diet, adequate sleep, social engagement, cognitive stimulation, blood pressure control, no smoking, and managing hearing loss are all associated with reduced dementia risk.

Dr. Christopher Martinez leads SilverOak's Memory Care and Cognitive Neurology Program at SilverOak Medical Center, San Francisco. Early memory consultations and cognitive assessments are available in-person and via video. Family caregivers can also call for guidance and referrals to support resources.