"Having a conversation with someone, I sometimes can't think of the name of the person or the name of the place. I just stop in my tracks," said Gerry Yardly.

Some of that's just part of getting older. Gerry is 82. But when it turns into more than just a lapse of memory, or forgetful periods, it's time to get help.

Internist Dr. David Sharp said, "Short term memory loss is a classic sign of Alzheimer's. You retain your long term memories, meaning your childhood memories."

But you start to forget your close friends, family member's names and more, and there's no cure for it.

But, Dr. Sharp says, if you catch the warning signs early, you stand a better chance of benefiting from treatment.

Here are a few things to look for:

Memory loss
Problems with simple words
Difficulty completing everyday tasks
Poor or decreased judgement
Changes in mood or behavior
Changes in personality

Medicine can't cure or stop Alzheimer's disease, but it can slow down or stabilize the memory loss. Diet and brain games can help too.

"There are other studies coming out with regards to playing musical instruments, playing bridge, doing cross word puzzles. Those types of things can actually improve your ability to not lose memory," said Dr. Sharp.

Age is not the only risk for developing Alzheimer's. A family history of the disease plays a role -- something Gerry's daughter Cheryle can't escape.

"It will probably hit me someday too, but you just take one day at a time," said Cheryle Yardly.

And that's what Gerry's doing; living each memory one day at a time.