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By Kevin Stuckey, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, a general term for
memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough
to interfere with daily tasks. The greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and
the majority of people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older. However, approximately
200,000 Americans under the age of 65 have younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease (also
known as early-onset Alzheimer’s).
The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering
newly learned information because Alzheimer’s changes typically begin in the part
of the brain that affects learning. People with memory loss or other possible signs
of Alzheimer’s may find it hard to recognize they have a problem. Signs of dementia
may be more obvious to family members or friends. Anyone experiencing dementialike
symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
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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 for the
same information repeatedly, 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.
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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 take much longer to do things than they did before.
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DIFFICULTY COMPLETING FAMILIAR TASKS AT HOME, WORK OR LEISURE
People with Alzheimer’s disease often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may
have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules
of a favorite game.
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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 is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget
where they are or how they got there.
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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, which may cause problems with driving.
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NEW PROBLEMS WITH WORDS IN SPEAKING OR WRITING
People with Alzheimer’s disease 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”).
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MISPLACING THINGS AND LOSING THE ABILITY TO RETRACE STEPS
A person with Alzheimer’s 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.
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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.
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WITHDRAWAL FROM WORK OR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities,
work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or remembering
how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they
have experienced.
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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.
Resources
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