10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality cares and support.The association provides education programs and information regarding Alzheimer’s to the community. Here we present the “10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.” Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. If you notice any warning signs and symptoms, schedule 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, asking the same questions repeatedly, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things an individual 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 living with changes in their memory due to Alzheimer’s or other 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. 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. People living with memory changes from Alzheimer’s or other dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may 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 or other dementia 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. Some people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia could experience vision changes. 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 or other dementia 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 having trouble finding the right word.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.A person living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over 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 living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia 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? Making a bad decision or mistake once in a while, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, they 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 feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
10. Changes in mood and personality. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia 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 when 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.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides educational programs (in-person and virtual) and support groups for caregivers. If you would like more information, please visit www.alz.org or call our 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.This article was reprinted with permission from Agnes Zsigovics, MSW and created by the Alzheimer’s Association.
