Alzheimer’s disease can be detected in 10 early signs. If you aren’t knowledgeable about the several early symptoms of Alzheimer’s, they could be easy to miss.
Memory loss- A common, early sign of Alzheimer’s is constant memory lapses and forgetting newly presented information. Signs of memory loss include: repeatedly asking the same questions and becoming more dependent on family members for tasks they used to manage independently.
Challenges planning or solving problems- Those experiencing the early effects of Alzheimer’s could face the inability to follow a plan or work with numbers. They may find it more difficult to pay bills or keep track of money. Their concentration level may be lower than it once was.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks- People with Alzheimer’s gradually struggle to remember normal, daily tasks such as driving to a routine destination or organizing lists.
Confusion with time or place- Losing track of time and dates can also be an indicator of Alzheimer’s. At times, they could be confused about how or when they arrived at a place.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships- Another sign of the disease for some people is vision problems. Vision problems could lead to trouble reading or one’s balance. They could also struggle with recognizing color and distance when driving.
New problems with words in speaking or writing- Those living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble starting or joining conversations and repeat themselves often.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps- An individual may put objects in usual places and be unable to retrace their steps to find them. As the disease progresses, one may accuse others of stealing.
Decreased or poor judgment- A person with the disease may experience a decline in their decision-making.
Withdrawal from work or social activities- Individuals may have trouble starting or joining conversations, so they may remove themselves from social engagements.
Changes in mood and personality- Those experiencing changes due to Alzheimer’s may experience mood changes and be more easily upset when they are at home or out of their routine.
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms can be alarming and hard to process, but it is important to contact your doctor. Early detection ultimately helps fight the disease before a case worsens. The earlier you express your concerns regarding yourself or others, the earlier a treatment plan can be designed to relieve symptoms.
The most common and noticeable symptoms are often missed as they are often misinterpreted as age-related changes such as memory loss. If you become aware of any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
*The 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s were adapted from research conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association.