“Education is power.” It’s a phrase we hear often, but nowhere does it ring truer than in the realm of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Early detection isn’t just a medical advantage–it’s a pathway of ensuring the best quality of life and honoring a person’s wishes throughout the progression of the disease. It’s also about building a strong, supportive network for caregivers and providing them with the support they need during an extraordinarily difficult journey.
For caregivers, this truth is deeply personal and few understand it better than Margaret “Annie” Murphy, whose journey with dementia began in her late 20s to early 30’s when both of her parents were diagnosed with dementia. Supporting them through their struggles not only shaped her life but also sparked a 15-year career dedicated to helping others as the Senior Program Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Rhode Island Chapter.
“I had no clue what I was dealing with,” Murphy recalls. “ I wasn’t prepared. The stress was overwhelming, but through it all, I found hope. I learned hard lessons, but those lessons helped me make a meaningful difference for my parents and, ultimately for myself. That experience transformed into a life’s work focused on helping others prepare for their own journey.”
When it comes to individuals with Alzheimers and related dementias and their caregivers, at the heart of the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission are two powerful words: prepare and educate. WIth a blend of compassion and expertise, Annie Murphy serves as a boots-on-the-ground advocate, bringing critical messages of education, support, advocacy, and planning to communities across Rhode Island. Her work, alongside the staff and board at the Rhode Island Chapter and a large group of dedicated volunteers, embodies the Alzheimer’s Association’s mission–empowering individuals and families to navigate the challenges of dementia with knowledge and strength. This critical message is clear: start planning as soon as possible.
“People need to understand that many dementia-like symptoms may actually be caused by other factors, such as high blood pressure, chronic illness, a urinary tract infection, or even a B12 deficiency,” says Annie Murphy. “Too often, individuals suffer in fear, burdened by uncertainty, only to discover that a doctor can identify and address the true root cause of their symptoms.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, early detection and diagnosis of the disease are crucial in improving patient outcomes and quality of life while reducing the overall burden on families. Despite these benefits, many individuals who meet the criteria for Alzheimer’s and related dementias are not being diagnosed by a physician and, as a result, are not reaping the benefits of an early diagnosis. In Rhode Island, more than 22,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s but that number may be higher.
So how early should you get a baseline cognitive screening? “If you are on Medicare, part of your wellness exam every year is a cognitive assessment. Ask your physician as soon as you are on Medicare. Many physicians won’t ask you, so it’s OK to be your own advocate and be proactive,” says Murphy. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals to seek a medical evaluation as soon as signs of cognitive decline or memory loss appear. With two FDA-approved medications now available for those in the early stages of the disease, early diagnosis is more important than ever. These treatments can provide some people with more time to live independently and enjoy precious moments with their families.
According to Murphy, recognizing the difference between normal aging and potential warning signs of dementia is critical. As we age, it’s normal to experience a slowing of cognitive processing, as well as changes in eyesight and hearing. Forgetting a name or misplacing an object is typical–what matters is whether you can eventually recall or retrace your steps. The real concern arises when cognitive, memory and behavioral changes begin to impact daily life. Murphy explains:
- Memory Lapses That Affect Daily Life: Forgetting appointments or social engagements and struggling to keep track of days can be a sign that something is wrong.
- Losing Objects Without the Ability to Retrace Steps: It’s more than misplacing keys–it’s finding them in the microwave, holding them without knowing their purpose, or getting lost on the way home from a grocery store you’ve visited for 15 years.
- Poor Judgment and Decision Making: Making unusual decisions, such as giving away large sums of money or dressing inappropriately for the weather, can be red flags.
- Withdrawal from Social Settings: A person who was once active and social may start withdrawing, avoiding friends and family and losing interest in hobbies.
- Personality Changes; When someone’s behavior shifts noticeable, it might be cognitive changes.
- Visual and Spatial Difficulties: Frequent car accidents, difficulty navigating stairs, or struggling to move safely around that house. Murphy shared this personal example: “My mom started to have bruising on her hips. She had a hard time moving around the house and was bumping into furniture and countertops.”
By understanding these early signs, families can take proactive steps to support their loved ones and connect with resources for guidance and support. The Alzheimer’s Association has master-level clinicians available through its multi-lingual 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. Whether you have concerns about your own cognitive health or are worried about a loved one, you can call any time for guidance, support and next steps.
For practical advice on how to approach conversations with compassion and clarity visit alz.org/talk. This resource is a valuable first step toward understanding what you’re experiencing and accessing support you need.
As Margaret “Annie” Murphy shares, “it’s not about having all the answers–it’s about knowing where to start and who to turn to.” Through her work with the Alzheimer’s Association, she aims to bring a sense of direction and reassurance to families across Rhode Island.
Helen Hames, a Certified Senior Advisor and Founder of Age Ambassador, specializes in guiding families through the often complex decisions surrounding aging at home or transitioning to senior living. Based in Newport, RI, Helen brings a wealth of experience to families throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. For more information visit AgeAmbassador.com.
