Am I overthinking this ?....

[Loobylye]

I'm posting this on here because I wondered if there was anyone here who has experience of dealing with early onset Alzheimer's or dementia ? The reason being I'm a little concerned about my cousin's husband,

He's a good few years older than my cousin (he's 74), and before he retired he had a fairly high flying job, as long as I've known him he's been a very sharp, astute individual, recently however I've noticed a couple of things about him which concern me, last week we were having a conversation and he's was asking me if I was excited about my 'new life'....(I've just been through a divorce and have moved to new house/town) he asked me a few questions (showing a polite interest I suppose) which I answered, without giving it much thought, a couple of days later my cousin and I went shopping, the town centre was busier than usual as there was event on that we weren't previously aware of so it took us ages to find a taxi and we were late back to her house, he seemed confused and agitated when we returned and not his normally calm self but I didn't read too much into this, fast forward another day and whilst my sister was in the kitchen he started asking me the identical set of questions about my 'new life' that he'd asked me a few days before, word for word...not only that but I've noticed how changeable his moods are, he can be charming one day and quite scathing and sarcastic another. My cousin never comments on these things, almost as if she hasn't noticed so I've never voiced my concerns to her....am I overthinking this or am I right to be concerned ?

You may be right to be concerned but don't jump to conclusions...At 74 it.won't be classed as "early onset" dementia anyway. My dad died with the condition so if he is in the early stages my thoughts are with him and you and those around him. I know what devastation dementia brings but there is loads of support out there if indeed he does have the condition which of course he may not....
Having travelled the road I would say do not be concerned about forgetful moments....we all have them. Dementia creeps up slowly to begin with so if you are concerned I would try and talk with your cousin. She lives with him so is best placed to notice changes in behaviour..Dementia can result in all sorts of changes and each sufferer has their own unique path.
There are tests he can undergo...cognitive...to establish whether his ability is within normal range for his age or whether the early signs of short term memory failure for example, are manifesting themselves. There is, to my knowledge, no medical test...blood sample etc...that can be done although I think such tests are not far off.
Mean time the best thing to do is be supportive, be patient, don't ever be angry if he does annoy....remember it's not his fault and he can't help it...
Remember too that he may also deep down be concerned....in the early stages the sufferer knows something is wrong...later on they probably dont...
If he is in the early stages then sadly it is not an easy road for him or those around him to travel...
Lastly and really important...if you are in the UK make sure your cousin sets up Lasting power of attorney....he will be part of the process...everyone should really do it. If the worst happens then it will make it vastly easier to run his financial affairs when he no longer can. Without it life can be extremely tough....really important your cousin does this as soon as possible.

Thanks @Sparkybloke...I'm famous for overthinking things so it may be just a spell of forgetfulness on his part, my own father developed a degenerative brain condition as the result of two strokes and the process was very gradual so I'm probably being a little paranoid and looking for evidence where non exists. I will have a quiet word with my cousin though to see what she thinks.