Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom
of Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Alzheimer’s
is a brain disease that causes a slow decline
in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There
are 10 warning signs and symptoms. Every individual may experience
one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you
notice any of them, please see a doctor.10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s:
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory
loss, 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 aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices)
or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering
them later.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop
and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have
trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly
bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much
longer to do things than they did before.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily
tasks. Sometimes, people 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.
4. Confusion with time or place
People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and
the passage of time. They 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.
5. 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.
6. New problems with words in speaking or writing
People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining
a conversation. They 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.
7. 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.
8. Decreased or poor judgment
People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment
or decision-making. 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.
9. 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.
10. Changes in mood and personality
The mood and personalities of people 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.
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