Alzheimer’s Awareness With Early Screening

Donna Nichols • November 8, 2021

Why should you get checked for Alzheimer’s disease?

As I state in all my blog posts, early detection is the key !!

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but if detected early you can control it with medication and proper living.

This will also give you the time you need to decide if a memory care community would be best for you or your loved one. 

The importance of Alzheimers Early Screening

How do you know if you should get checked?

If you notice any of the signs below, please see your doctor immediately.

Signs of Alzheimer’s disease are:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Challenges in planning or solving problems
  • Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  • Confusion with time or place
  • Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  • 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

The signs above may not even be Alzheimer’s, but if they are an early diagnosis allows you the following benefits…

Benefits of an early diagnosis:

  1. Access to treatment options earlier; this may help lessen the intensity of the disease on your brain. The medications for Alzheimer’s are effective at slowing the progression of the disease so an early diagnosis may help in keeping your current cognitive functioning.
  2. You will have the option to participate in clinical trials which may provide more medical benefits. Many of these trials are open to those with early stages of Alzheimer’s thus allowing you to participate and perhaps making it easier for you to benefit from the trial medications.
  3. You will be able to record the memories you have so when the disease progresses you can look back at the things that were of importance to you. Take pictures and create a photo book, write a journal, or make a video, however you choose to record the memories will serve as a cherished keepsake.
  4. You will have the chance to improve your health now. You can make healthier changes to the way you live your life; quit smoking, exercise, control your blood pressure and get out there and be active physically and mentally. All of those can help to improve your cognitive functioning.
  5. An early diagnosis gives the caregiver time to prepare for what is coming; it will give them the opportunity to understand what is going to happen and learn how best to support the person with Alzheimer’s.
  6. You will have the opportunity to plan for the future concerning your health care. You can designate your health care surrogate and power of attorney while you’re still of sound mind. You are able to make your financial decisions during this time as well.
  7. This is the time to become informed about what to expect as your disease progresses. Visit support groups with your caregiver to become educated on what your caregiver will be dealing with to help prepare them as well as yourself.

As you can see, there are many reasons for early screening for Alzheimer’s disease. This is a very debilitating disease and can wreak havoc on a family that is not educated. Assisted Living Made Simple holds three Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups a month; don’t try to do this alone!

Should you feel the time has come for a memory care community, we can help with that also. Please call us first! Our service is free! We care about YOU and YOUR loved one and are here to help! 386-847-2322

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Gratitude in Every Season

By Donna Nichols • November 13, 2025
As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded that gratitude isn’t just a holiday tradition — it’s a way of life. At Assisted Senior Services, we see it daily: in the quiet strength of caregivers, the wisdom of our seniors, and the small moments that make a big difference. We believe gratitude is more than a feeling. It’s a practice. A way of seeing the world, even in challenging times. For seniors, caregivers, and families, this season can stir a mix of emotions. There may be joy in gathering, but also grief, fatigue, or change. That’s why we hold space for all of it — and honor the quiet strength it takes to keep showing up with love. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it helps us carry it. It reminds us that even in uncertainty, there are still ordinary gifts: a warm hand to hold, a shared laugh, a moment of peace. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, navigating new challenges, or simply pausing to reflect, this season invites us to slow down and appreciate the ordinary gifts around us — a warm smile, a shared story, a helping hand. We are grateful for: • The families who trust us to walk alongside them, through transitions and triumphs. • The caregivers who show up with compassion and grace. • The caregivers who offer comfort, dignity, and patience every single day. • The seniors who teach us resilience, humor, and the value of every day – reminding us of what really matters. This Thanksgiving, we honor your journey. We celebrate your courage. And we’re here to support you — not just during the holidays, but all year long. So, whether your Thanksgiving is bustling or quiet, traditional or tender, we hope you find something to hold onto — and someone to hold it with. From all of us at Assisted Senior Services, thank you for being part of our community. We’re honored to support you, and we wish you a season filled with warmth, connection, and care. Happy Thanksgiving!