Journey to Diagnosis

What are the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease?
Discover the early symptoms from people living with a dementia diagnosis.


Receiving a cognitive impairment diagnosis doesn’t have to feel like a gut-punch. We’re on a mission to raise awareness about the importance of early recognition and diagnosis, and showcase people who are living well despite dementia. Learn how you can recognize early signs and distinguish certain symptoms from normal aging.

Patient stories

Share your diagnosis story

Have you experienced symptoms that left you wondering if they were part of normal aging or something more serious? Did you reach out to a doctor for help shedding light on what was going on?
Tell us your about your journey to diagnosis. We’re looking for stories about how people have sought answers about their cognitive health, managed symptoms, and more.

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Scott Berkheiser and Dan Jaworski

Two “IRONMEN” are living with Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment, while defying the odds through intense physical training and an unwavering spirit. Watch their story of physical and mental resilience.

Chris Tann

Ever since U.S. Navy veteran Chris Tann was diagnosed with behavioral variant FTD, Tann and his wife have been raising awareness about the condition. Tann is a clinical trial participant and an active member of the Black Dementia Minds support group.

“If you suspect you have Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia, don’t wait. Especially if you’re younger, doctors tend to push it off. Get checked out, go to a neurologist, get second opinions”

– Scott Berkheiser, IRONMAN competitor living with early-onset Alzheimer’s

Interactive learning guides

Why is misdiagnosis so common?

Early and accurate diagnosis increases options for better care, lifestyle interventions, and treatments that could slow disease progression. Learns the ins and outs of the diagnostic process, including common reasons behind misdiagnosis.

What does “normal aging” look like, and when does occasional forgetfulness signal brain health problems?

Learn about factors that contribute to brain aging and take our free quiz to help you spot what’s normal and what’s not.

Clinician Spotlight with Dr. Barak Gaster

Expert advice: Look for these 3 signs of cognitive impairment

Getting an accurate dementia diagnosis is essential to intervening early in order to slow down disease progression. University of Washington’s Dr. Barak Gaster tells us key early signs that help doctors make a better diagnosis.

Explore our dementia learning guides

Click on a topic below to view the guide.

Understanding Dementia

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s

What is MCI?

What is Lewy Body Dementia?

What is Chronic traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)?

What is Frontotemporal Dementia?

What is Vascular Dementia?

What is Parkinson’s Disease?