As we get older, it’s only natural to become a little more forgetful and begin having trouble remembering things. However, forgetfulness that begins to impact your daily life is not a normal part of aging and could signal the onset of Alzheimer’s – a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. And since June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, it's a good time to learn about the disease and how to identify and manage Alzheimer's.

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease is growing rapidly. There are currently more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, as one out of every ten people over the age of 65 is struggling with the disease. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to 16 million. Read on to learn more about Alzheimer’s and what you can do to help a loved one struggling with this common form of dementia.

What Is Alzheimer’s?
Simply put, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over time. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment. At this time, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments for the various symptoms, and research on this disease continues.

What Are Common Symptoms?
Alzheimer’s is difficult to diagnose, but a few warning signs to be on the lookout for include:

• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Confusing times and places
• Trouble understanding visual images
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Withdrawal from work or social activities
• Changes in mood and personality

How Can I Help?
If you have a loved one who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or is in the early stages of the disease, you have an opportunity to work together to make decisions about the future. There's a wealth of available treatments and clinical trials that may offer relief from symptoms. For a thorough list of resources and steps to take as a caregiver, click here.

And remember, World Alzheimer’s Day, Sept. 21, is a day during which Alzheimer’s organizations around the world focus on raising awareness about the condition. If you’d like to get involved, please visit alz.org for more information about local walks or to find out how to donate to research initiatives.