June Is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month: Recognizing the Signs and Supporting the Ones We Love

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to bring more attention, compassion, and understanding to a disease that touches millions of families.

For many people, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are not just medical conditions. They are deeply personal experiences that affect spouses, adult children, siblings, friends, caregivers, and entire families. A diagnosis can bring fear and uncertainty, but awareness can also bring something powerful: the opportunity to notice changes earlier, ask better questions, seek support, and make thoughtful plans for the future.

As we recognize Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, it is important to remember that memory changes can be emotional for everyone involved. It can be hard to know whether a loved one is simply experiencing normal signs of aging or whether something more serious may be happening. The goal is not to panic, but to pay attention with love, patience, and care.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia itself is not one single disease, but rather a general term used to describe changes in memory, thinking, reasoning, behavior, or daily functioning that interfere with everyday life.

While occasional forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, Alzheimer’s-related changes are usually more consistent and disruptive. For example, misplacing your keys once in a while may not be concerning. But repeatedly losing important items, forgetting how to get home from familiar places, or struggling to manage daily routines may be signs that it is time to speak with a medical professional.

It is also important to know that not every memory issue is Alzheimer’s. Some changes may be related to medication side effects, sleep issues, infections, vitamin deficiencies, depression, thyroid problems, or other treatable conditions. That is one of the many reasons it is so important to seek medical guidance rather than assuming the worst.

Signs That May Be Worth Paying Attention To

Every person is different, but there are some common signs that may indicate cognitive changes are becoming more than normal aging.

Some of these signs may include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting recent conversations, appointments, or important dates

• Repeating the same questions or stories within a short period of time

• Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as preparing a regular meal, using household appliances, or following a routine

• Confusion about time, place, or how they arrived somewhere

• Trouble managing bills, medications, or household responsibilities

• Difficulty finding the right words or following a conversation

• Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps

• Changes in judgment, such as falling for scams or making unusual financial decisions

• Withdrawal from hobbies, social activities, or family gatherings

• Mood or personality changes, including increased anxiety, suspicion, irritability, or sadness

One sign on its own does not necessarily mean someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia. However, when changes become noticeable, frequent, or concerning to family members, it may be time to have a conversation and encourage a medical evaluation.

When to Get Help

It can be difficult to bring up concerns about memory or behavior changes with someone you love. Many people fear hurting their loved one’s feelings or making them feel embarrassed. Others may worry that their concerns will be dismissed.

A gentle approach can make a big difference. Instead of saying, “You’re forgetting everything,” you might say something like, “I’ve noticed a few things lately, and I care about you. I think it may be a good idea to talk with your doctor just to make sure everything is okay.”

It may be time to get help if memory or thinking changes are interfering with daily life, safety, independence, or relationships. A good first step is often a primary care doctor, who may recommend additional testing or refer the person to a neurologist, geriatric specialist, or memory care clinic.

Early evaluation may help families better understand what is happening. It may also provide access to treatment options, support services, safety planning, and important conversations about care preferences.

Why Early Conversations Matter

No family wants to imagine a loved one needing extra help. But having conversations early, while the person can still express their wishes clearly, may bring greater peace of mind.

These conversations may include:

• Who they trust to help with medical or household decisions

• Where they prefer to live as they age

• What kind of support would feel comfortable at home

• Whether legal documents and care directives are up to date

• How family members can share caregiving responsibilities

• What community resources may be available

These discussions can be emotional, but they can also be a gift. They allow families to make decisions with more clarity, instead of waiting until a crisis forces quick choices.

How Home Health Care May Help

For many older adults, the desire to remain at home is strong. Home is familiar. It holds memories, routines, photographs, neighbors, pets, favorite chairs, and a sense of comfort that can be especially meaningful for someone experiencing cognitive changes.

Home health care and in-home support may help families bridge the gap between independence and additional care. Depending on the person’s needs, support may include help with daily routines, medication reminders, meal preparation, bathing, dressing, light housekeeping, transportation, companionship, and safety monitoring.

For someone living with early cognitive decline, having regular support in the home may help reduce confusion and provide structure. For family caregivers, it may also offer much-needed relief. Caregiving is an act of love, but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Having help does not mean a family has failed. It means the family is creating a circle of support.

In-home care may also help families notice changes over time. A caregiver who visits regularly may observe shifts in eating habits, hygiene, mobility, mood, memory, or safety. These observations can help families and medical professionals better understand what kind of care may be needed.

Supporting the Caregiver, Too

Alzheimer’s and dementia affect more than the person with the diagnosis. They affect the spouse who is trying to keep things normal. They affect the adult child who is balancing work, children, and parent care. They affect the family member who lies awake at night wondering what comes next.

Caregivers need support, too.

Support may come from family meetings, respite care, local senior services, support groups, faith communities, friends, counselors, or professional care providers. Even a few hours of help each week may give a caregiver time to rest, run errands, attend appointments, or simply breathe.

It is also important for caregivers to know they do not have to have all the answers right away. Alzheimer’s and dementia care often unfolds in stages. What matters most is staying observant, asking for help, and making one thoughtful decision at a time.

Aging at Home with More Support and Dignity

For many families, one of the biggest concerns is how to help a loved one age safely and comfortably. Home modifications, in-home care, transportation, medication management, and caregiver support can all become part of the larger conversation.

Some older homeowners may also wonder how their home and home equity fit into their overall retirement and aging-in-place goals. While every situation is different, having conversations early with trusted professionals may help families better understand their options and plan with more confidence.

The most important thing is that families do not have to navigate these decisions alone. Medical professionals, care providers, family members, and trusted advisors can all play a role in helping an older adult maintain dignity, safety, and quality of life.

A Compassionate Reminder This June

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month is a reminder to look closer, listen with patience, and lead with compassion.

If you have noticed changes in someone you love, try not to ignore them out of fear. A conversation with a doctor may provide answers, reassurance, or a path forward. If your family is already walking through Alzheimer’s or dementia, know that support is available and that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Aging brings changes, but no one should have to face those changes without care, dignity, and understanding.

If you or your family are beginning to think through aging-in-place needs, long-term care conversations, or how home equity may fit into a broader retirement plan, I am here to be a thoughtful resource.

Richard Wood
Reverse Mortgage Branch Manager
NMLS #1435894
Serving Burlingame, the Bay Area Peninsula, and San Mateo County

NMLS #1435894 | Licensed through Traditional Mortgage Acceptance Corporation dba GoodLife Home Loans | NMLS ID: 971307 | Equal Housing Lender

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Please consult qualified medical, legal, financial, or care professionals regarding your personal situation.