
Forgetting where you left your keys isn’t unusual—but forgetting what they’re for can be. Alzheimer’s disease develops slowly, often years before symptoms become obvious. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that more than 6.9 million Americans age 65 and older are living with the disease in 2025. Early recognition can delay progression, improve treatment success, and give families valuable time to plan. Knowing what’s normal aging versus what’s cause for concern is the first step in protecting your brain health.