Most people misplace keys, forget a name, or walk into a room and wonder why they came there. Such moments are common, especially with age. But when memory lapses begin to interfere with everyday life, families may be witnessing something more than ordinary ageing.Former US President Ronald Reagan, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, once wrote in a letter to the American people, “I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life.” Decades later, his words still remind many families that dementia is not just a medical condition. It is a deeply human experience that affects relationships, memories, and identity.According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. Researchers have found that changes in the brain can begin years before symptoms become obvious. Newer diagnostic tools are helping doctors identify the disease earlier than ever before. Dr Vamsi Chalasani, Consultant-Neurology, Manipal Hospitals Vijayawada, said, "The human brain naturally experiences memory loss with age, yet people should seek help for their ongoing memory issues. The initial stages of Alzheimer's disease, which represents the most prevalent dementia type, start with mild cognitive changes that progressively disrupt normal activities. Family members need to recognize these initial signs because they enable them to obtain medical assessment and necessary assistance."