later he couldn’t remember how to shuffle. Early medication slowed things dramatically. Those lost six months still haunt us.”
What to Do If You Notice 2+ Signs
- Schedule a doctor visit this month — don’t wait for “worse”
- Bring a trusted friend/family member — they notice changes you miss
- Ask for cognitive screening (MoCA or Mini-Mental) + bloodwork to rule out reversible causes (B12 deficiency, thyroid, depression)
- Start legal/financial planning while capacity is still good
Early diagnosis can add years of clearer thinking and independence.
The Hopeful Truth
Medications like donepezil
