Every September, World Alzheimer’s Month reminds us of the importance of raising awareness, recognizing changes early, and supporting people living with dementia and their families.

Perhaps, however, we need to talk more about cognitive health before a problem arises. Brain health is not just about memory, nor is it limited to the brain itself; it is linked to our physical and psychological health and to the way we live.

This is particularly relevant this year, as the international campaign for World Alzheimer’s Month 2026 has the following central message: “The sooner you know, the more you can do.” Building on this theme, Dr. Andreas Hatzikyprianou, a clinical psychologist and researcher in the field of cognitive aging, answers some of the questions that most frequently concern people and their families.

Does every memory problem mean Alzheimer’s?

No. And it’s important to state this clearly. As we age, certain changes in our cognitive function are to be expected. For example, we may need more time to remember a name or process new information. At the same time, memory is influenced by many factors: sleep, stress, mood, certain medications, physical health, hearing, and, more generally, how we function in our daily lives. That’s why memory difficulties alone aren’t a diagnosis.

So, when should we be concerned?

More than just an isolated instance of “I forgot,” what concerns us is a change in how a person used to function. When these difficulties become more frequent, the same questions are repeated, problems with orientation, language, or judgment, or when daily activities that were once easy begin to become difficult, then an evaluation is warranted.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging. On the other hand, not every change means Alzheimer’s. A proper evaluation seeks to understand what has changed and why.

Since we can’t change everything, why is early diagnosis important?

Many people delay seeking help because they’re afraid of what they might hear or think, “Why should I know, since there’s nothing I can do anyway?” However, when persistent changes in memory or other cognitive functions occur, an evaluation is worthwhile even if the difficulties are mild. An early and accurate diagnosis can open up more treatment and support options, help address other health issues, and allow time to plan for future care.

Assessment and care are multidisciplinary processes. Depending on the individual’s needs, the process may involve the primary care physician, a neurologist, a psychologist with appropriate training and experience in cognitive or neuropsychological assessment, and other healthcare professionals. No single specialty alone can address all aspects of cognitive decline and dementia.

Knowing sooner does not mean we can change everything. It does mean, however, that we have more time and more options.

Can we really prevent dementia?

The word “prevention” requires careful consideration. No one can guarantee that they won’t develop dementia simply because they exercise, eat well, or stay mentally active. There are factors, such as age and genetic predisposition, that we cannot change. However, there are also several factors that we can influence. New guidelines from the World Health Organization highlight that a significant portion of the risk of dementia—up to about 45%—is linked to modifiable factors. These include, among other things, physical and mental inactivity, social isolation, harmful alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

So the message isn’t “do everything right and you won’t develop dementia.” It’s that we can take better care of our brain health throughout our lives.

What can we actually do to support our cognitive health?

There’s no single magic solution. It’s not just crossword puzzles, nor is it just exercise or diet. Physical activity, good cardiovascular health, quality sleep, mental stimulation through activities that teach us something new or challenge us to think differently, social interaction, and psychological well-being are all different pieces of the same puzzle.

Research is increasingly focusing on interventions that combine different areas rather than focusing on a single behavior. The brain does not age in isolation from the body, the mind, and our lives.

What can psychology contribute to cognitive aging?

Psychology plays an important role, both in assessing cognitive changes and in supporting the individual and their family. Cognitive assessment of older adults requires specialized training and experience, knowledge of normal cognitive aging, the various forms of cognitive decline, as well as the psychological, medical, and social factors that can influence cognitive function.

Once a diagnosis is made, the needs extend beyond memory. They may involve mood, behavior, adaptation to change, autonomy, relationships, and quality of life, as well as support for caregivers.

In my work, clinical practice with older adults goes hand in hand with research on cognitive aging and cognitive and psychosocial interventions. At the research level, this work continues through my collaboration with the Center for Applied Neuroscience at the University of Cyprus and the Department of Psychology at the European University of Cyprus.

So, what should we keep in mind this September?

We don’t need to panic every time we forget something. However, we must not ignore persistent changes and should seek an evaluation when there is cause for concern.

And perhaps we need to think about our cognitive health long before any problems arise. Not out of fear or in search of a “magic” solution, but as part of our overall health care as we age.

The conversation about dementia and Alzheimer’s doesn’t have to start when memory begins to fade.

Event on Healthy Aging

In honor of World Alzheimer’s Month, on September 28 at 5:00 p.m., the European University of Cyprus will host the event:

“Can We Age Well? What We Know Today About the Brain, Memory, and Healthy Aging.”

An open discussion on cognitive health, memory, and healthy aging with Dr. Andreas Hatzikyprianou.