When someone we love starts to seem a little different — forgetting names they’ve always known, getting confused in familiar places, repeating the same question within minutes — it can be unsettling. For many Australian families, these moments quietly raise a question that feels almost too frightening to say out loud: could this be Alzheimer’s disease?
Understanding the early signs of Alzheimer’s is one of the most important things you can do — for yourself, or for someone you care about. The earlier changes are recognised, the sooner a person can access support, make informed decisions, and plan for the future.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for around 60 to 70 per cent of all dementia cases. It is a progressive brain condition that gradually affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is not a normal part of ageing — though age is the biggest known risk factor, and most people diagnosed are over 65.
In Australia, more than 400,000 people are currently living with dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause. Behind each of those numbers is a person, and often a family navigating something new and unfamiliar.
The Difference Between Normal Forgetting and Early Alzheimer’s
It is completely normal to forget where you put your keys, struggle to recall a word mid-sentence, or take a moment to remember an acquaintance’s name. These are common experiences across all age groups and tend to come and go.
Alzheimer’s disease is different. The changes it brings are persistent, progressive, and eventually begin to interfere with daily life. Here is a general guide to help distinguish typical age-related memory lapses from signs worth discussing with a doctor.
Forgetting recent events or information. We all forget things occasionally, but a person in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may forget recently learned information repeatedly — asking the same questions over and over, or not recalling a conversation that happened an hour ago.
Difficulty with familiar tasks. This might look like struggling to follow a recipe that has been made for decades, getting confused while playing a familiar card game, or having trouble managing bills that were never a problem before.
Confusion with time or place. Someone in the early stages may lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. They might forget where they are, or how they got there.
Problems with words. Finding the right word mid-conversation can become a challenge. A person might stop in the middle of a sentence, repeat themselves, or use an unusual word in place of the one they’re looking for.
Changes in mood or personality. Early Alzheimer’s can bring shifts in mood that seem out of character — increased anxiety, withdrawal from social activities, unusual irritability, or low motivation. These changes are sometimes the first thing families notice, even before obvious memory problems appear.
Misplacing things in unusual ways. It is one thing to leave your glasses on the kitchen bench. It is another to put them in the freezer and have no memory of doing so.
When to See a Doctor
If you have noticed several of these signs in yourself or someone close to you — especially if they are happening regularly and seem to be getting worse — it is worth making an appointment with a GP. A general practitioner can carry out an initial assessment, rule out other possible causes (such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, or medication effects), and refer to a specialist if needed.
It is important to go to this appointment without fear of judgement. Raising a concern is not the same as receiving a diagnosis, and a diagnosis — if it comes — opens the door to support, not just a label.
In Australia, people living with dementia and their carers can access a range of supports including the National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500), memory clinics, community care programs, and the NDIS for eligible individuals under 65.
For Families and Carers
If you are supporting someone who may be showing early signs of Alzheimer’s, it is natural to feel a mix of concern, confusion, and even grief. You might be unsure whether to raise it with them, or worried about how they will react.
There is no one right way to have this conversation. Approaching it with gentleness, patience, and a focus on care — rather than alarm — tends to go a long way. Framing it as something you want to explore together, not something to be afraid of, can help.
And please remember: looking after someone else starts with looking after yourself. Carer wellbeing matters too.
A Final Word
Alzheimer’s disease is not something anyone chooses, and it is not something anyone should face alone. Whether you are in the early stages of noticing changes, waiting on a diagnosis, or already deep in the experience of caring — there is information, community, and support available to you.
This website is here to be part of that support. If you have questions or are not sure where to start, reach out. We are here to help you find the right information and point you toward trusted resources.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about yourself or someone you care for, please consult a qualified health professional.