About Alzheimer's Disease: How to Spot Symptoms, Navigate Diagnosis, and Support Your Loved One

It’s common to forget things at times as we age. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, their brain may be affected in a much bigger way, impacting their memory, behavior, and the ability to stay independent.

AHN West Penn Hospital’s neurology team can work closely with you to identify early symptoms, guide you through the diagnostic process, and create a care plan that helps your loved one live as safely and comfortably as possible.

Causes of Alzheimer's and early signs to look for

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. It happens when brain cells are damaged and begin to lose connections. Over time, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia cause changes in memory, behavior and environmental awareness, and communication.

There are several factors that can raise someone’s risk for Alzheimer’s, including:

• Being age 65 or older
• Having a family history of Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative diseases
• Declining heart health and high blood pressure
• Unhealthy diet and lifestyle habits

Early signs of Alzheimer’s can be easy to miss. Your loved one may forget names, repeat questions, lose track of time or appointments, or struggle with everyday tasks like paying bills or cooking.

As the disease progresses, common Alzheimer’s symptoms include:

• Becoming more irritable
• Pulling away from friends and family
• Having delusions, which are false beliefs that may cause fear or confusion

“It’s hard seeing family members go through changes as they age,” said Barbara McManus, MD, a neurologist at AHN Neuroscience Institute. “But noticing early signs can make a big difference. It helps families get answers sooner and start care that truly supports their loved ones.”

Diagnosing Alzheimer's

The journey to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis looks different for everyone. A patient might reach out to a neurologist directly for evaluation. However, most of the time, patients’ family members or doctors are the first to notice symptoms and seek further assessment.

Neurologists at West Penn often do screenings to monitor patients’ memory and behaviors as they age. If there are concerns, they may recommend a full evaluation that can take three to four hours. During the evaluation, providers will take an in-depth look at:

• Memory
• Attention span
• Problem-solving
• Language and reasoning
• Motor and thinking speed

If your loved one does have Alzheimer’s, our neurology team can assess the stage of their disease. The stages include:

• Early-stage (mild) – The person may still function independently but have memory issues.
• Middle-stage (moderate) – The longest stage of Alzheimer’s that can last for many years and involve more noticeable dementia symptoms.
• Late-stage (severe) – Dementia symptoms become more severe, and patients may need round-the-clock help with daily activities and care. 

Before and throughout the evaluation process, your AHN care team at West Penn will explain each step and give you ways to help your loved one feel calm and supported.

Navigating treatment options

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments to help manage symptoms and support a better quality of life.

The West Penn neurology team takes an individualized approach to treatment based on a patient’s disease stage, lifestyle, and other health factors. They may have your loved one try oral medications to treat memory issues, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, and address occasional delusions, if that is something they struggle with. 

They may also recommend non-medication interventions like therapy or behavioral management techniques to help work on memory and problem-solving.

Supportive resources for patients and caregivers

West Penn offers many resources to support Alzheimer’s patients, families, and caregivers, such as:

• Healthcare@Home aides to help with bathing and hygiene.
• Behavioral health coaches and social workers to help address mental health challenges.
• Nurse navigators to help coordinate support services and schedule medical appointments.

Doctors and nurse navigators at West Penn can also help you make decisions about assisted living as your loved one's needs change.

Turn to AHN for Alzheimer's care

AHN West Penn Hospital’s neurology team can help you know what to look for when monitoring your loved one for Alzheimer's, and what to expect from their diagnosis and treatment. Schedule an appointment with a West Penn neurologist to discuss care for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s today.