Dementia Expert, Neurologists Share Brain Health Tips and Warning Signs

WHO:

The Washington Post - Ronald Petersen is a dementia expert, director of the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, a clinical researcher and physician who sees patients.

The Washington Post - Petersen has co-written more than 1,500 peer-reviewed articles.

HuffPost - The article quotes neurologists Dr. Majid Fotuhi, Dr. Shaheen Lakhan, Dr. Yasmin Mohiuddin, Dr. Michael Stanley and Dr. Dale Bredesen, as well as Davide Cappon, Tufts Medical Center’s director of neuropsychology.

WHAT:

The Washington Post - Petersen’s research established the concept of mild cognitive impairment, a stage between healthy cognitive aging and dementia.

HuffPost - Experts identify possible early Alzheimer’s signs beyond major memory loss: changes in judgment and money management; trouble planning complex tasks; social withdrawal; mood or personality changes; difficulty with familiar technology; repeated questions or difficulty retaining recent information; getting lost in familiar places; declining sense of smell; and compensating for or hiding lapses.

HuffPost - Examples include missed or repeated bill payments, unusual purchases or financial decisions, errors with numbers, handing off familiar responsibilities, withdrawing from favored activities, new irritability or anxiety, and needing repeated help with previously familiar digital tasks.

HuffPost - Fotuhi said repeatedly asking the same question without remembering the earlier conversation differs from occasional forgetfulness. Lakhan noted that retaining vivid memories from decades ago does not rule out difficulty learning and retaining new information.

HuffPost - Experts caution that these signs do not necessarily indicate Alzheimer’s and can have other causes. Cappon advised discussing specific changes with a primary care provider without panicking or ignoring them.

HuffPost - Suggested evaluation may include cognitive assessment, blood tests for thyroid function, vitamin B12 and blood sugar, medication review, and screening for sleep problems, depression and hearing loss. Imaging and blood tests for Alzheimer’s-related proteins may also help.

HuffPost - Stanley recommended regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, a heart-healthy diet, and social or intellectual activities such as music, games, crafts, dance or hobbies two to three times a week; he also advised considering alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other substance use.

WHERE:

The Washington Post - Petersen directs the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.

HuffPost - Fotuhi is an adjunct professor in neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University; Cappon and Stanley are affiliated with Tufts Medical Center; Mohiuddin is a neurologist with Orlando Health; Bredesen is a neurologist at Apollo Health.

WHY:

The Washington Post - The concept of mild cognitive impairment shifted research and medical practice toward earlier detection and lifestyle changes.

HuffPost - Early changes may be gradual and overlooked as stress, fatigue, aging or being overwhelmed; affected people and family members may compensate, and some people may lack awareness of their difficulties, a condition Lakhan called anosognosia.

HuffPost - A study described in the article suggests brain immune cells in Alzheimer’s may attack nerve fibers carrying smell signals, potentially explaining why smell loss can precede diagnosis by years.

HOW:

HuffPost - Mohiuddin advised bringing a knowledgeable family member, specific examples with approximate dates, and a list of prescription and over-the-counter products to an evaluation.

HuffPost - Stanley recommended assessment of modifiable factors including sleep, substances, medications, toxins, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins and infections, plus neurological screening; occupational or speech/language therapy may provide rehabilitative strategies.

HuffPost - Bredesen suggested that people over 35 with a family history of cognitive conditions ask a neurologist about smell testing, while cautioning that passing such a test does not rule out a problem.

(UPDATED October 27, 2026 16:11 UTC)

Early Alzheimer’s signs can extend beyond major memory loss, including changes in judgment or money management, difficulty planning familiar tasks, social withdrawal, mood changes, trouble with everyday technology, repeated questions, getting lost in familiar places, and a declining sense of smell. These changes don’t necessarily mean Alzheimer’s, so experts advise discussing specific examples with a health care provider, who may assess cognition and check for other causes such as medication effects, sleep problems, depression, hearing loss, or thyroid and vitamin issues. Ronald Petersen, the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging director whose research helped establish mild cognitive impairment as a stage between healthy aging and dementia, says early detection can guide care, while experts also recommend exercise, good sleep, a heart-healthy diet, and regular social or intellectual activities.