Alzheimer’s or Forgetfulness? Keep the Early Signs in Mind

07 September 2026

Finding yourself being more forgetful lately? Maybe it's a name that will not come to you, or a recent event or conversation that you cannot quite recall. These small moments add up, and they are often the first sign that something worth paying attention to is happening.

Alzheimer's disease doesn't happen overnight. It develops slowly over the years, and early signs of Alzheimer’s are often so subtle they're easy to miss. However, detecting it during its earliest stages is crucial, as treatment can potentially slow down the disease and extend the years you have with your loved ones. 

In this article, Dr Mohamad Imran Bin Idris, our Consultant Neurologist, explains more on how to differentiate between regular forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s, what puts you at risk, and how getting screened at the first signs of Alzheimer’s can make a difference for you and your loved ones. 

Alzheimer’s and Regular Forgetfulness: What’s The Difference?

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that slowly destroys one’s memories and thinking skills, as well as the ability to carry out daily tasks. 

While forgetting things now and then is normal, it shouldn't get in the way of your day-to-day life. That, according to Dr Imran, is the key difference between regular forgetfulness and Alzheimer's.

Dr Imran shares that early Alzheimer's is marked by cognitive problems that start to disrupt your daily life. Some of the most common early signs of Alzheimer's include:

• Memory impairment, especially short-term memory
• Slowed speed of thought
• Difficulty paying attention 

The signs may vary from person to person, depending on their baseline level of memory and mental sharpness. Someone who's always been a bit forgetful may not be a cause for concern. But a noticeable shift, like a sharp, organised person suddenly struggling to keep up with things they normally handled with ease, is worth paying attention to. 

Factors That Put You at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr Imran shares that several factors are known to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease:

• Older age
• Hearing loss
• Hypertension and high cholesterol levels
• Social isolation
• Air pollution

While age remains the single biggest risk factor, many of the other factors on this list are within your control. Dr Imran stresses that lifestyle habits which address these risk factors can help protect your brain health over time. This includes managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, treating hearing loss early, staying socially engaged, and minimising exposure to air pollution where possible 

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?

Because memory changes can be subtle and subjective, neurologists often use additional tools like blood tests and lumbar punctures to confirm an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. These tests can detect amyloid plaques, abnormal protein build-up between and around brain cells, long before symptoms become obvious. 

Amyloid plaques are considered a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. They disrupt communication between brain cells, causing the cells to die and leading to a decline in brain function. 

“Studies have shown that 20 years before someone develops dementia, you can already detect the accumulation of amyloid plaques,” shares Dr Imran. 

How Early Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease Makes a Difference

Today, a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is not as bleak as it used to be. For years, there was little that could be done beyond managing symptoms as they emerged, but that's no longer the case. 

Treatment with monoclonal antibodies now makes it possible to meaningfully slow the disease's progression. It only works during the early stages of Alzheimer's, which is exactly why early detection matters so much. 

"It can slow down progression (of Alzheimer's disease). According to studies, when the treatment infusion is given, the patient can gain more time living independently," shares Dr Imran.

That’s why if you're noticing any signs of decline in memory or thinking in yourself or a loved one, it's worth consulting a neurologist sooner rather than later, even if daily life still seems unaffected.

Early Alzheimer's Disease Screening Today Can Mean More Years Tomorrow

Alzheimer's disease is no longer something to simply watch and wait on. With early detection and treatments now available to slow the progression of the disease, getting screened for Alzheimer’s sooner rather than later could make a difference in the years ahead, not only for yourself, but also for those you love.

If you notice any changes in memory or thinking in yourself or your loved one, it is worth getting it checked out with a neurologist. Click below to schedule an appointment with Dr Imran today.