Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that causes an ever-increasing decline in a person’s memory, thinking, learning and organizing skills. It ultimately impacts a person’s ability to carry out basic daily activities. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.
So, what are the signs/symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? We’re relying on the resources of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Centers for Disease Control for the answer to this important question.
Sign #1: Memory loss that impacts everyday activities
It’s natural to sometimes forget appointments, coworkers’ names or a friend’s phone number, only to recall them a short while later. On the other hand, a person living with Alzheimer’s may forget things more frequently or may have difficulty recollecting information that has been learned a mere short time ago.
Sign #2: Trouble performing familiar tasks
Busy people can be so sidetracked at times that they may forget to serve part of a meal, only to remember it a bit later. Some people living with Alzheimer’s, however, may have difficulty finishing tasks that have been familiar to them all their lives. For example, they may have trouble grocery shopping or using a cell phone.
Sign #3: Problems with language
Anyone can have a tough time hitting upon the right word to express what they want to say. Then again, a person with Alzheimer’s may forget simple words (for example, saying “what’s that thing on your wrist that tells time” instead of saying “watch.”) or may substitute words such that what they are saying is difficult for someone to understand.
Sign #4: Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Everyone will temporarily mislay a wallet or keys. But a person living with Alzheimer’s may put things in strange places, such as placing the car keys in the washer or dryer, or not being able to retrace steps to find something. He or she may even accuse others of stealing, particularly as the disease progresses.
Sign #5: Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person living with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in their ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, not want to go to church or attend other activities as they once did. Others may not be able to just keep up with what’s happening.
Sign #6: Trouble with visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having visual problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. This may lead to trouble with balance or difficulty reading. They may also have trouble judging distance and determining color or contrast, leading to any number of issues, including driving a vehicle.
Sign #7: Changes in mood and personality
Anyone can feel sad or moody at times. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s, though, may actually undergo mood and personality changes. They can become confused, distrustful, depressed, frightful or anxious. They may also become easily upset with friends or when they are out of their comfort zone.
Sign #8: Impaired judgment
From time to time, people may make dubious decisions such as putting off seeing a doctor when not feeling well. On the other hand, a person with Alzheimer’s may experience drastic changes in judgment or decision-making, such as not recognizing a medical issue that needs attention or wearing heavy clothing in sweltering weather.
Sign #9: Bewilderment about time and place
Have you ever forgotten what day of the week it is or can’t recall why you went into your bedroom? It happens to all of us at one time or another. People with Alzheimer’s, however, can become lost on their own street, not knowing how they got there or how to get home.
Sign #10: Loss of initiative
It’s normal to tire of housework, business activities or social obligations, but most people recapture their initiative. However, a person living with Alzheimer’s may become unresponsive and disinterested and require cues and prompting to become involved.
If you detect one or more of these signs in yourself or another person, it can be tough to know what to do. It’s only normal to feel unsure or anxious about talking over these changes with others. Voicing concerns about your own health could make them appear more “real’.” Or you may worry about unduly troubling someone by revealing your thoughts about changes in his or her abilities or behavior. Nonetheless, these are considerable health concerns that should be evaluated by a doctor, and it’s imperative to take action to understand what’s going on.
Get checked. Early detection can make a difference.