UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Julie Darling, the Mohawk Valley Regional Director of The Alzheimer's Association said that every year, family members who may have not seen loved ones in several months, come home for Thanksgiving, and notice some things that concern them.

Darling said it's much more than just normal forgetfulness.

"Maybe a recipe didn't come out the way they've done it for many, many years, food is different or things are misplaced in the home," Darling said.
"If they've had a chance to stay with their loved one, maybe bills aren't getting paid - that's always a big indicator that something is going on. So we start getting some phone calls."

Darling says that the first Monday after Thanksgiving, the Alzheimer's Association tends to get a number of calls from sons and daughters about their parents.

They want to know where they go from here, and what's the first step to getting someone help.

"Certainly we'll talk to them about what they're seeing, what are the symptoms," Darling said. "We'll direct them to the website where we have the ten warning signs, discuss that with them as well. Of course, we always refer them to a physician to get a definite diagnosis."

If you would like to contact the Alzheimer's Association, you can call 1-800-272-3900 and talk to a dementia expert and not be put to a voice mail.

Also, you can check out the Alzheimer's Association website