Dementia is a term that applies to individuals who require help with performing activities of daily living due to cognitive impairments. Alzheimer’s dementia is just one form of dementia. The most obvious sign of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, which is often noticed by someone other than the patient. If someone you love is repeatedly forgetting things, or has other thinking problems, that’s a sure sign to encourage them to check with their doctor.The early signs can vary greatly, so be aware of any of the following: difficulty communicating, word finding, challenges handling complex tasks, withdrawal, lack of concentration, or an inability to plan or organize.