Jared Paventi Special to The Citizen Recognizing and taking steps to address the warning signs of Alzheimerâs and other dementias can be extremely challenging â especially in the early stages. Itâs easy and common to dismiss cognitive changes in oneself or a family member as ânormal aging.â âAlzheimerâs is not a normal part of aging,â said Katrina VanFleet, chief program officer for the Alzheimerâs Association, Central New York Chapter. âWith normal aging, you may forget where you parked your car â that happens to all of us. But if you get in your car and get lost coming home â thatâs not normal."