What Are The 10 Warning Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Frequently Misplacing Items And Having Difficulties In Retracing The Steps

Youve probably misplaced your keys on a number of occasions, but have found them by searching in logical places or retracing your steps.

For people with Alzheimers, it can be difficult to remember where they placed items or how to retrace their steps to find them. Losing things frequently can be quite frustrating and may make the person believe that someone is stealing from them.

Dementia can make people place items in illogical places, like clothes in the refrigerator.

Challenges In Completing Familiar Tasks

People with Alzheimers may also have short concentration spans and take longer to do things they normally used to finish quickly.

If you or your loved one has difficulties in completing familiar tasks like playing a board game or driving to a familiar location, then you may want to see a doctor.

In severe cases, seniors may need assisted living services from professional institutions like Seasons Memory Care, especially if they live alone.

The 10 Warning Signs Of Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. Symptoms include loss of memory, difficulty with day-to-day tasks, and changes in mood and behaviour. People may think these symptoms are part of normal aging but they arent. It is important to see a doctor when you notice any of these symptoms as they may be due to other conditions such as depression, drug interactions or an infection. If the diagnosis is Alzheimers disease, your local Alzheimer Society can help.

To help you know what warning signs to look for, the Alzheimer Society has developed the following list:

1. Memory loss that affects day-to-day functionIts normal to occasionally forget appointments, colleagues names or a friends phone number and remember them later. A person with Alzheimers disease may forget things more often and not remember them later, especially things that have happened more recently.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasksBusy people can be so distracted from time to time that they may leave the carrots on the stove and only remember to serve them at the end of a meal. A person with Alzheimers disease may have trouble with tasks that have been familiar to them all their lives, such as preparing a meal.

3. Problems with languageEveryone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with Alzheimers disease may forget simple words or substitute words, making her sentences difficult to understand.

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When To See A Gp

If you’re worried about your memory or think you may have dementia, it’s a good idea to see a GP.

If you’re worried about someone else’s memory problems, encourage them to make an appointment and perhaps suggest that you go along with them.

Memory problems are not just caused by dementia they can also be caused by depression, stress, medicines or other health problems.

A GP can carry out some simple checks to try to find out what the cause may be, and they can refer you to a specialist for more tests if necessary.

Read more about diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.

Page last reviewed: 05 July 2021 Next review due: 05 July 2024

Trouble With Images And Spatial Relationships

Whilst many people will notice a change in vision as they age, people with dementia can develop issues with determining colour, seeing objects in three dimensions or problems judging distance. Spatial awareness can decrease leading to a lack or balance, spilling food or drinks more often and tripping over more.

If you are someone you are worried about is presenting any symptoms of Alzheimers and dementia, it is important to consult your GP for further advice and referral.

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What Are The Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Scientists continue to unravel the complex brain changes involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimers disease. It seems likely that damage to the brain starts a decade or more before memory and other cognitive problems appear. During this preclinical stage of Alzheimers disease, people seem to be symptom-free, but toxic changes are taking place in the brain.

Damage occurring in the brain of someone with Alzheimers disease begins to show itself in very early clinical signs and symptoms. For most people with Alzheimersthose who have the late-onset varietysymptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Signs of early-onset Alzheimers begin between a persons 30s and mid-60s.

The first symptoms of Alzheimers vary from person to person. Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of cognitive impairment related to Alzheimers disease. Decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as word-finding, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimers disease. And some people may be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. As the disease progresses, people experience greater memory loss and other cognitive difficulties.

Alzheimers disease progresses in several stages: preclinical, mild , moderate, and severe .

Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks

Getting lost on your way home from the grocery store or difficultly doing the job you’ve had for 20 years are warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.

It’s important to recognize that this doesn’t refer to learning something new. Instead, this is a change in the ability to do something you’ve always been able to do until now.

What it’s not: Difficulty using the new television remote control.

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Warning Signs Of Dementia Infographic

Our infographic showing 10 warning signs of dementia.

• Date:02nd June 2017

• Warning signs infographic

Every person is unique and dementia effects every individual differently, with no two people experiencing symptoms in exactly the same way. Symptoms also vary by type of dementia. Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia. 10 of the most common warning signs are shown below and depicted in the infographic:

If these signs are new, they may be a sign of dementia. Dementia is not a part of normal aging. If you think that these problems are affecting your daily life, or the life of someone you know, you should talk to your doctor or seek out more information from your national dementia of Alzheimers association.

Daily Tasks Become Impossible

People can often be distracted and forget to do something simple, like adding an item to their grocery list. However, someone with Alzheimers will begin to find performing regular tasks, such as grocery shopping itself, challenging. Routine day-to-day tasks that require critical thinking may become more challenging as the disease progresses. It can start with the most challenging tasks being impossible, such as creating a budget or planning a holiday dinner, to simple tasks like going to the grocery store becoming impossible.

You will notice that your loved one struggles with things that seem simple and obvious to you. They might also start to avoid these tasks altogether because theyve become so challenging. For example, you may notice rotting food in the fridge because your loved one cant make a grocery list or navigate the grocery store, or theyve forgotten how to cook their usual meals. These symptoms might seem like casual slip ups at first but will become more obvious and concerning with time.

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Symptoms Of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Some people have a condition called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. It can be an early sign of Alzheimers. But, not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimers disease. People with MCI can still take care of themselves and do their normal activities. MCI memory problems may include:

• Losing things often
• Forgetting to go to events or appointments
• Having more trouble coming up with words than other people the same age

Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease from MedlinePlus.

Warning Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Ones memory often changes as one grows older. But, memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a symptom of dementia: a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimers disease, a fatal disorder that results in loss of brain cells and function. This list can help you recognize the warning signs of Alzheimers.

1. Memory changes that disrupt daily lifeOne of the most common signs of Alzheimers, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, or relying on memory aids or family members for things they used to handle on their own. What are typical age-related changes? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problemsSome 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 are typical age-related changes? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

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Talking With A Doctor

After considering the persons symptoms and ordering screening tests, the doctor may offer a preliminary diagnosis or refer the person to a Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service clinic, neurologist, geriatrician or psychiatrist.Some people may be resistant to the idea of visiting a doctor. In some cases, people do not realise, or else they deny, that there is anything wrong with them. This can be due to the brain changes of dementia that interfere with the ability to recognise or appreciate the changes occurring. Others have an insight of the changes, but may be afraid of having their fears confirmed.One of the most effective ways to overcome this problem is to find another reason for a visit to the doctor. Perhaps suggest a check-up for a symptom that the person is willing to acknowledge, such as blood pressure, or suggest a review of a long-term condition or medication.Another way is to suggest that it is time for both of you to have a physical check-up. Any expressed anxiety by the person is an excellent opportunity to suggest a visit to the doctor. Be sure to provide a lot of reassurance. A calm, caring attitude at this time can help overcome the person’s very real worries and fears.Sometimes, your friend or family member may refuse to visit the doctor to ask about their symptoms. You can take a number of actions to get support including:

• talking with other carers who may have had to deal with similar situations
• contacting your local Aged Care Assessment Team

Early Warning Signs Of Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that impacts memory, behaviors and cognitive abilities. Its estimated that 5.8 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimers disease. This form of dementia is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States.

Understanding the early warning signs of Alzheimers disease is crucial to the individuals quality of life. An early diagnosis provides a better chance of benefiting from treatments. Additionally, identifying the disease early helps the patient prepare emotionally, mentally and physically for whats to come. Multiple therapies and treatments are available that can work to slow the diseases progress.

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of Alzheimers disease.

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What To Watch Out For With Alzheimer’s Disease

If you or a loved one is experiencing issues with memory loss and are concerned it could be related to Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Association has 10 Warning Signs that help identify symptoms that may need further evaluation:Memory loss – Difficulty remembering events or information.Difficulty performing common tasks – Everyday activities such as taking medications and doing household chores become more difficult.Problems with language – Forgetting simple words, frequently substituting unusual words.Disorientation to time and place – Getting lost in normally familiar places, forgetting the day of the week or time.Poor or decreased judgment – Buying unnecessary items, giving away money or making bad decisions that are inconsistent with past behavior.Problems with abstract thinking – More difficulty with complex mental tasks such as planning and organizing as well as forgetting how to use familiar items.Misplacing things – Finding missing items or things in unusual places such as finding car keys in the freezer.Changes in mood or behavior – Ranging from a depressed/withdrawn mood to becoming irritable as well as getting angry and upset easily.Changes in personality – Becoming confused, fearful, suspicious, self-absorbed or dependent.Loss of initiative – Loss of interest in normal activities may sleep or watch TV more during the day.Learn more about scheduling an appointment at one of our Memory Centers.

Why You Should Make An Appointment Now

The sooner you know, the better. Starting treatment may help relieve symptoms and keep you independent longer.

It also helps you plan better. You can work out living arrangements, make financial and legal decisions, and build up your support network.

Show Sources

Alzheimerâs Association: â10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s,â âDiagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia,â âWhat Is Dementia?â

University of California San Francisco: âAlzheimer’s Disease Signs and Symptoms.â

National Institute on Aging: “Forgetfulness: Knowing When To Ask For Help.”

American Psychological Association: “Aging: When should I be concerned about a senior’s forgetfulness?”

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Behavior And Mood Changes

Its normal for people to get sad and moody from time to time for particular reasons. A person with Alzheimers may have rapid mood swings, for no apparent reason.

As a result, they may start to feel anxious, confused, depressed, irritable, and suspicious. These behavioral changes may occur in a variety of settings including at home, at work, or in unfamiliar places.

Benefits Of Early Dementia Diagnosis

Now that you know what are the 10 warning signs of Alzheimers Disease, you can take the necessary steps to improve your lifestyle or that of a loved one.

People with Alzheimers may experience one or several of the Dementia signs outlined above.

While theres no cure, an early diagnosis means better management before the condition worsens into an unsalvageable state. It also means that you or your loved one has a better chance at maintaining independence for as long as possible.

Finally, keep in mind that many conditions including depression, alcoholism, hormonal disorders, and strokes have dementia-like symptoms. Therefore, its always advisable to visit your physician before jumping into conclusions.

For tips on how to maintain optimum mental health, check out this blog.

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Challenges With Planning And Problem

Some people with Alzheimers experience changes in their ability to plan and problem-solve. Concentrating becomes more of a challenge, and, as a result, it takes longer to do everything than it did before. One of the most prominent signs is finding it hard to work with numbers, for example, making mistakes on recipe measurements or bill payments.

Withdrawal From Usual Activities

Apathy, or a lack of interest, and withdrawal from people and activities can be signs of early dementia.

Examples include no longer following a favorite sports team, not wanting to spend time with treasured grandchildren, giving up a favorite hobby, and skipping get-togethers with good friends.

What it’s not: Needing a longer break between activities or sometimes feeling overwhelmed.

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Early Symptoms Of Dementia

Although the early signs vary, common early symptoms of dementia include:

• memory problems, particularly remembering recent events
• increasing confusion
• apathy and withdrawal or depression
• loss of ability to do everyday tasks.

Sometimes, people fail to recognise that these symptoms indicate that something is wrong. They may mistakenly assume that such behaviour is a normal part of the ageing process. Symptoms may also develop gradually and go unnoticed for a long time. Also, some people may refuse to act, even when they know something is wrong.

Warning Signs Of Alzheimer’s

Memory often changes as people grow older. Some people notice changes in themselves before anyone else does. For other people, friends and family are the first to see changes in memory, behavior, or abilities. Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. People with one or more of these 10 warning signs should see a doctor to find the cause. Early diagnosis gives them a chance to seek treatment and plan for the future.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: forgetting events, repeating yourself or relying on more aids to help you remember .

2.Challenges in planning or solving problems: having trouble paying bills or cooking recipes you have used for years.

3.Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure: having problems with cooking, driving places, using a cell phone, or shopping.

4.Confusion with time or place: having trouble understanding an event that is happening later, or losing track of dates.

5.Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations: having more difficulty with balance or judging distance, tripping over things at home, or spilling or dropping things more often.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alzheimers Association have created the Healthy Brain Initiatives State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map.

8. being a victim of a scam, not managing money well, paying less attention to hygiene, or having trouble taking care of a pet.

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Confusion With Time Or Place

With Alzheimer’s disease, disorientation is a common symptom. It may include:

• Not knowing what season or year it is
• Not knowing your location
• Not understanding why you’re in a certain location

As Alzheimer’s progresses, some may believe they are younger than they really are because of an unawareness of time passing.

What it’s not: Wondering what the date is and checking the calendar.