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Donate Now10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia
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 memorythinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of themdon't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
The Alzheimer's Association is here to help any timeany day of the year. Call our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to talk to a live person who can answer your questions. Not sure what to ask or where to start? That's okaytoo. Just give us a call and we'll guide you from there.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s diseaseespecially in the early stageis forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or eventsasking the same questions over and overand 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 appointmentsbut remembering them later.
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people living with changes in their memory due to Alzheimer's or other dementia 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 managing finances or household bills.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
People living with memory changes from Alzheimer's or other dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar locationorganizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's a typical age-related change?
Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.
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Confusion with time or place
People living with Alzheimer's or other dementia can lose track of datesseasons 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.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Some people living with Alzheimer's or other dementia could experience vision changes. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrastcausing issues with driving.
What's a typical age-related change?
Vision changes related to cataracts.
New problems with words in speaking or writing
People living with Alzheimer's or other dementia 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 vocabularyhave trouble naming a familiar object or use 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.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealingespecially as the disease progresses.
What's a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
Decreased or poor judgment
Individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For examplethey may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What's a typical age-related change?
Making a bad decision or mistake once in a whilelike neglecting to change the oil in the car.
Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a resultthey may withdraw from hobbiessocial activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.
What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
Changes in mood and personality
Individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confusedsuspiciousdepressedfearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at homewith friends or when 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.
When to seek medical advice.
If you notice one or more signs in yourself or another personit can be difficult to know what to do. It’s natural to feel uncertain or nervous about discussing these changes with others. Voicing worries about your own health might make them seem more “real.” Oryou may fear upsetting someone by sharing observations about changes in his or her abilities or behavior. Howeverthese are significant health concerns that should be evaluated by a doctorand it’s important to take action to figure out what’s going on.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s and typical age-related changes?
| Signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia | Typical Age-Related Changes |
|---|---|
| Poor judgment and decision-making | Making a bad decision once in a while |
| Inability to manage a budget | Missing a monthly payment |
| Losing track of the date or the season | Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later |
| Difficulty having a conversation | Sometimes forgetting which word to use |
| Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them | Losing things from time to time |
What to do if you notice these signs
If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's in yourself or someone you knowdon't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
With early detectionyou can explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer.
