Alzheimer's Awareness Month: Know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
June 12, 2023
Alzheimer's and other dementias cause memory, thinking, and behavior changes that interfere with daily living. Learn about common warning signs of Alzheimer's and what symptoms to look for in yourself and others, the benefit of early detection and diagnosis, and more.
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, 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 living with dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may struggle to follow a familiar recipe or manage 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. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a well-known 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 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. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have difficulty 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 everyday object or use the wrong term (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 disease 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 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 occasionally, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.
9. Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities
A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in their 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 feeling 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 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.
If you notice one or more signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or another person, it can be difficult to know what to do. It’s natural to feel uncertain or nervous about discussing these changes with others. Voicing worries about your own health might make them seem more “real.” Or you may fear upsetting someone by sharing observations about changes in his or her abilities or behavior. However, these are significant health concerns that should be evaluated by a doctor, and it’s important to take action to figure out what’s going on.
If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's in yourself or someone you know, don't ignore them. Call the Jefferson County Health Center and schedule an appointment with your doctor at 641-472-4156.
With early detection, you can explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer, as well as increase your chances of participating in clinical drug trials that help advance research.
Source: 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. (n.d.). https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs