10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.
For Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month in June, atom Alliance is sharing ten of the most common warning signs and symptoms of dementia. Individuals may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees of severity. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Memory loss is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things a person used to handle on their own.
| What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later. |
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people may experience changes in the ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. A person may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. Difficulty concentrating and taking much longer to do things than before are other signs to look for.
| What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook. |
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
| What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show. |
- Confusion with time or place
Losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time are signs of Alzheimer’s. A person may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
| What’s a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later. |
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.
| What’s a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts. |
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
Trouble following or joining a conversation can signal the onset of dementia. A person may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).
| What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word. |
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
| What’s a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them. |
- Decreased or poor judgment
Changes in judgment or trouble with decision-making are signs of Alzheimer’s. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
| What’s a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while. |
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
| What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations. |
- Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personality of a person with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
| What’s a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted. |
With early detection, you can:
- Get the maximum benefit from available treatments. You can explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain a level of independence longer.
- Have more time to plan for the future. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s allows you to take part in decisions about care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters.
- Get help for you and your loved ones. Care and support services are available, making it easier for you and your family to live the best life possible with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Learn more about the work atom Alliance does for older adults and patients in nursing homes across Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.
