Cognitive Decline in Aging: 21 Warning Signs for Families

If your aging parent is acting differently—and you’re wondering if it's just aging or something more—you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Leslie Kernisan, a board-certified geriatrician, explains 21 signs of cognitive decline that are not a normal part of aging. These behaviors and symptoms, which include paranoia and memory loss, may point to early Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, and they’re especially important for families trying to understand what’s happening—and what to do next. You’ll learn: What specific signs go beyond “normal forgetfulness” Why repeated questions, confusion, or personality changes are red flags The 8 signs validated by the AD-8 Informant Interview used in Alzheimer’s screening When it’s time to seek a professional memory evaluation How symptoms like anxiety or depression can also signal deeper brain changes This episode will help you observe changes with more clarity, have better conversations with doctors, and take the next right step if you’re worried about an aging parent’s brain health. #MemoryLossInSeniors #CognitiveDecline #SignsOfDementia #HelpingOlderParents #GeriatricianAdvice #AlzheimersAwareness #SeniorHealth #AgingParents #BrainHealth #BetterHealthWhileAging 👩‍⚕️ Sign-up for the Helping Older Parents Newsletter: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/hop-newsletter/ 🎓 Free Training: How to Help Your Parent with Memory Loss Be Safer (Even if They're Resisting) https://betterhealthwhileaging.mykajabi.com/free-memory-loss-safety-training 📚 Dr. K’s Book on Helping Aging Parents: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QTXTWXW 📘 The AD8: A brief informant interview to detect dementia https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/01.wnl.0000172958.95282.2a Chapters: 0:00 Signs that could be early Alzheimer's 0:45 When it's useful to check for these symptoms 2:26 For more help with these signs 2:58 What to ask yourself when checking for these signs 6:32 The AD-8 Informant Signs for possible Alzheimer's 7:35 More signs and behaviors that can be signs of a brain health disorder 12:46 Is it depression, anxiety, or something more? 13:40How to use this list of signs Disclaimer: The material on the Better Health While Aging YouTube channel is for informational and educational purposes only and does not substitute personalized medical advice. Read our full disclaimer: https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/disclaimer/