Worried a Loved One Has Alzheimer's? Dr. Venus Nicolino Shares Common Red Flags

Alzheimer's disease is a devastating condition - not only for the patient, but for their loved ones. Recognizing the red flags that may indicate the onset of Alzheimer's can help people get early treatment, as well as provide both patients and families more time to prepare for living with the progressive disease. And while many might feel reluctant about getting checked for Alzheimer's, fearing the truth, Dr. Venus Nicolino believes people should face those fears.

A Los Angeles-based bestselling author and host of "The Tea With Dr. V" podcast, Nicolino says tackling fears head-on isn't about eliminating them - that's impossible - but about better managing them. 

"The scary parts of life don't do us in. Our constant attempts to wiggle ourselves out of these experiences is what causes much of our suffering," she said on her popular TikTok channel. She later added, "Scary stuff is guaranteed in this thing we call life, and wiggling yourself out of those painful experiences by walling yourself off - it won't save you from consequences."

While she wasn't speaking specifically about the detection of dementia symptoms, the same approach applies. It's natural to fear a dementia diagnosis, but it's better to face facts early than avoid them until later.

And, she stresses, caregivers need to make sure to make time for self-care.

"If your responsibilities and expectations start to feel overwhelming, create a quiet moment for yourself," Nicolino said. "Find the time and space to be alone. Just do nothing, and give the machinery in your head a rest.

"Whether that's closed eyes and deep breathing or just disconnecting from any and all screens, make it a regular practice to create and respect your quiet moments. This is your time. You're entitled to use it for yourself. You could even carve out a regularly scheduled time in your day to be un-busy."

Dr. Venus Nicolino Offers Early Signs of Potential Onset of Alzheimer's

Here are seven red flags that may indicate the early onset of Alzheimer's, according to Nicolino.

1. Memory loss: This can include frequent forgetfulness, especially when it involves recent events or information. Common signs of this that loved ones will notice include asking for the same information repeatedly or forgetting significant dates.

2. Difficulty with problem-solving: Everyone faces situations that require planning, concentration, and decision-making. Showing signs of trouble with these issues is a potential sign of the early onset of dementia. Examples include issues managing finances, following a recipe, or anything that involves working with numbers.

3. Problems with language and communication: People of all ages may struggle at times to find the right words to express themselves. However, those with early-onset Alzheimer's experience this more frequently and may have difficulty following conversations. They may also repeat phrases or stories. 

4. Disorientation and confusion: Caregivers should pay particular attention to situations where loved ones get lost in familiar places or fail to recognize or remember familiar faces. A frequent inability to understand or track time is another troubling sign.

5. Impaired judgment: This typically comes to light through poor judgment or making decisions completely out of character. Examples include making bad financial decisions, such as falling for easy-to-detect scams, or neglecting proper personal hygiene.

6. Misplacing items: Everyone loses their keys and their phone from time to time, but someone experiencing the early onset of Alzheimer's may experience these issues more frequently and also struggle to retrace their steps to find what they lost.

7. Mood and personality changes: People who start acting differently at any age are waving a giant red flag that they could be experiencing mental health issues. With early onset dementia, this can involve noticeable changes in mood, personality, or behavior, including increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or becoming more withdrawn.

While offering these potential early signs of the onset of Alzheimer's disease, Dr. Venus Nicolino also emphasizes that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. It's crucial to seek a professional evaluation by a health care provider for an accurate diagnosis. 

Alzheimer's Disease Impacts About 6 Million Americans

Dr. Venus Nicolino's tough-love approach is practical advice for a looming public health issue. Dementia can present itself in many different forms, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. However, Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It accounts for about 60% to 80% of cases. 

Alzheimer's slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, according to the National Institute on Aging. Eventually, as cognitive functioning - the ability to think, remember, and reason - begins to erode, people struggle with even the simplest tasks. The NIA estimates that about 6 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. That number is expected to increase as the country's population ages over the coming decades.

Because it's a progressive condition, signs of dementia and Alzheimer's disease are often small at first. Mirroring what Dr. Venus Nicolino said about early detection, the Alzheimer's Association recommends that people get themselves checked out at the earliest sign of potential dementia symptoms.

Early detection gives people access to treatment options and a chance to make lifestyle changes that can slow the onset of dementia, including controlling blood pressure, exercising regularly, and staying mentally and socially active. 

An early diagnosis also reduces anxiety about why people experience symptoms, and it gives them more time to plan ahead for dealing with the issue.

Alzheimer's is just one aspect of mental health in which Dr. Venus Nicolino holds expertise. She's committed to helping people improve their mental health through her own unique style. In her bestselling book Bad Advice: How to Survive and Thrive in an Age of Bulls--t, she takes on the types of self-help advice people get from "gurus" and offers some brutally honest truths about why it's wrong. Often known by her nickname, Dr. V, she holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and a master's and Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

Dr. V offers bold and irreverent advice on mental health issues through social media, including her popular TikTok and Instagram accounts. She's the chairwoman and owner of the SoundMind app that uses music to heal trauma and improve mental health.