Memory loss that interferes with daily life can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a brain condition that leads to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities. There are ten warning signs and symptoms to be aware of. If you notice any of these signs, do not ignore them; make an appointment with your doctor.
1
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, repeatedly asking for the same questions, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (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 with dementia 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 managing finances or household bills.
3
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
People with Alzheimer’s often find it difficult to complete daily tasks. They may sometimes have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.
4
Confusion with time or place
People living with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it does not happen 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. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Vision changes related to cataracts.
6
New problems with words in speaking or writing
People living 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 trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).
What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes I have trouble finding the right word
7
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and cannot return to their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
8
Decreased or poor judgment
Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What’s a typical age-related change?
We all make bad decisions or mistakes occasionally, like neglecting to change the oil in our cars.
9
Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes, I feel uninterested in family or social obligations.
10
Changes in mood and personality
Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends, or outside their comfort zone.
What’s a typical age-related change?
Developing specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when disrupting a routine.
Get checked. Early detection matters.
It can be challenging to know how to respond if you notice one or more signs of health changes in yourself or someone else. It’s natural to feel uncertain or anxious about discussing these changes. Voicing concerns about your own health can make these issues feel more “real,” and you might worry about upsetting someone by pointing out changes in their abilities or behavior. However, these are important health issues that should be evaluated by a doctor, and it is essential to take action to understand what is going on.
Source: ALZ.ORG
