The 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s
Everyone is a little bit forgetful now and again, but when memory loss for you or a loved one starts to interfere with your daily life it is crucial that you get it checked out in case it is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals may experience the following signs at different levels but if you notice any of these it is recommended that you see you doctor as soon as possible to voice your concerns. They will arrange for further investigation which may include a CT Scan, MRI or appointment with the neurologist. The sooner a person is diagnosed the sooner they can start receiving treatment that will help slow down the progression of the disease.
(1) Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life
This is the most common sign of the disease and can include the following:
- forgetting recent events, important dates or events
- asking the same questions repeatedly
- relying on people to handle things that they used to handle on their own
(2) Difficulty with problem solving or planning
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.
(3) Difficulty completing tasks (at home/work/hobbies)
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.
(4) Confusion with Time/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.
(5) Trouble with images/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.
(6) Difficulty with Reading 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”).
(7) Misplacing items & losing 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.
(8) Decreased Judgment
People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, handing over large amounts to schemes etc. They may pay less attention to grooming, dressing or keeping themselves clean.
(9) Withdrawal from Socializing
A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may become withdrawn and avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. Visitors may become unwelcome.
(10) Changes in Mood & 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.
