Ten Warning Signs For Alzheimer’s
- Memory changes that disrupt 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 aids (e.g. reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
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.
3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks At Home, At Work Or At Leisure.
People with Alzheimer’s disease 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 favourite game.
4. Confusion With Time And 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 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 colour or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror. What are typical age-related changes? 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.
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.
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.
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 favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
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.
Other conditions commonly associated with changes in cognition in older adults, with and without dementia, include delirium and depression. When these conditions are suspected, the person’s health care providers should be notified promptly.
- Delirium is an acute, usually reversible, worsening of cognition characterized by inattention and disorganized thinking along with altered levels of consciousness. Caregivers should look for a sudden change in the person’s baseline mental status.
- Depression is another common condition that, along with depressed mood or irritability, can be associated with changes in memory. Memory and depressed mood often improve with antidepressant therapy.