Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a
symptom of Alzheimer's or other dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease
that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are
10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don't ignore them.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
1. 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 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.
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 take much longer to do things than they did
before.
What's a typical age-related change?
Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
3. Difficulty
completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at 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.
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 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.
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, which may cause problems with driving.
What's a typical age-related change?
Vision changes related to cataracts.
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.
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 and retracing steps to find them.
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
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.
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 also may 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
Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.10
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.
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
Get checked. Early
detection matters.
If
you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's in yourself or someone
you know, don't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
- Learn more about diagnosing Alzheimer's
- Doctor's appointment
checklist (PDF)
- 10 warning signs checklist (PDF)
- Why get checked
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