The Early Signs of Alzheimer's Disease and Why They Matter: A Q&A with Dr. Brandon Baughman

We spoke with Dr. Brandon Baughman, a neuropsychologist at Semmes Murphey Clinic, about what he wishes more people understood about Alzheimer’s disease and how care has evolved over the course of his career.

What do you wish more people knew about Alzheimer’s disease?
“Alzheimer’s dementia doesn’t start with forgetting names — it often begins subtly, with difficulty planning, managing finances, or following conversations. By the time memory loss is obvious, the disease has usually been progressing for years. That’s why I encourage people not to brush off early changes.”

What else do you wish people understood about Alzheimer’s disease?
“Alzheimer’s is a brain disease, not a normal part of aging and not a character flaw. Many families suffer in silence because of stigma or fear. The earlier someone comes in for evaluation, the more options we have.”

How has treatment changed since you started practicing?
“When I started in 2010, the approach to Alzheimer’s was largely about managing symptoms and helping families cope. What’s changed is that we now think about Alzheimer’s care much more comprehensively. Yes, there are exciting new disease-modifying medications, but what’s become increasingly clear is that medication alone isn’t the whole answer. Multidisciplinary care plays a critical role in identifying cognitive changes early and guiding personalized interventions — things like cognitive rehabilitation strategies, sleep optimization, stress management, and staying socially and mentally engaged. The research on lifestyle modification has really grown, and we now have strong evidence that these factors can meaningfully influence the trajectory of the disease.”

When should someone seek an evaluation?
If you or a loved one has noticed changes in memory, attention, problem-solving, communication, or daily functioning, it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of symptoms and provide access to treatment options, support services, and strategies that may help maintain quality of life.

To learn more about cognitive evaluations and neurological care, at Semmes Murphey, visit our Neuropsychology page.