10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s or Just an Age-Related Behavior Change

 

Alzheimer’s is a disease that attacks the brain. It’s the most common form of dementia. Early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease is important because early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support, and future planning. The Alzheimer’s Association offers the following ways in which to notice early signs of Alzheimer’s in a loved one, but they caution that it’s best to seek the consultation of a qualified physician.

 

10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
   One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s, 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; relying 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 may 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, work, or 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’s 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. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not recognize their own reflection.
   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, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.
    
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.

If you have questions about any of these warning signs, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends consulting a physician.
For more information, read this in-depth scientific article or visit alz.org.

If you’re a caregiver for a loved one who is suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there are a great number of senior living options available to help, including senior residences with Alzheimer’s specialty services.

To begin your search for senior living residences, visit AlternativesforSeniors.com. There you can easily find a senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community where seniors can remain safe and in great care.

 

BLOG Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Writer: Ryan Allen