I’ve seen the look on others’ faces, as if to say, “How can you not remember the conversation we just had two days ago?” I have found personal items in strange places in my home, but surely one of my cats was the culprit.

I have been assured these episodes are normal and the product of a busy life filled with multiple distractions.

But when do events like these belie something more serious?

“When forgetfulness starts to interfere with daily activities such as work, going to the grocery store, planning a meal, or how finances are managed, or if these experiences are happening frequently, it is time to consult a doctor,” said Kristie Miner, director of the Reflections Program at Westgate Manor in Bangor. The Reflections Program offers specialized health care services to residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

Seeking medical help is important because, while forgetfulness is the most common early sign of dementia, there are a variety or other reasons why a person could be experiencing memory loss, said Miner.

For example, dementia could be caused by depression, drug interaction, a vitamin deficiency, or thyroid problems, among other things, which could be treatable and reversible if caught early.

“Dementia is an umbrella term that describes what is happening, such as forgetfulness, but not why it is happening, whereas Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that is medically diagnosed through a process of elimination, which rules out other diseases and conditions that can also cause dementia,” she said. “Dementia is like ice cream where as Alzheimer’s is like vanilla ice cream.”

Westgate Manor has some community-based programs to help those with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.

A support group is offered by the Alzheimer’s Association twice a month and is open to the community. There are also educational seminars, counseling services and caregiver instruction and planning sessions.

As with most diseases, Alzheimer’s affects the whole family. The goal of the Connecting with Caregivers Program is to assist the caregivers and to provide them with comprehensive information and resources. The service also includes an in-home assessment, ongoing caregiver education, and a personalized care plan that will improve the client’s quality of life as well as that of the caregiver’s. A notebook containing all the pertinent information is given to the family or caregiver as part of this complimentary service.

“We want people to think of us as a resource,” said Miner.

And a resource they are, but they are so much more.

The Adult Day Program is a source of respite for caregivers while providing a safe and therapeutic environment for persons with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Open five days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the program includes medical monitoring, personal care if necessary, meals and snacks, and specialized activities. Transportation is even offered to those in and around Bangor.

“The goal of the Adult Day Program is to help these people [with Alzheimer’s] remain in the community as long as possible. It’s not uncommon for families to say that things are getting better at home,” said Miner. “And the caregiver is not so worried because his or her loved one is in a safe setting. The patient may be less depressed because of the interaction and reduced isolation. The saying ‘use it or lose it’ has some truth. Studies are showing that being mentally engaged slows the progression of the disease.”

And that is probably everyone’s goal.

For information on Westgate Manor’s programs and fees, call 942-7336. The Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through its telephone help line at (800) 660-2871.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865.