10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease©
Used by Permission: Alzheimer’s Association®, Greater Michigan Chapter
It may be hard to know the difference between age-related changes and the first signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. Ask yourself: Is this something new? For example, if the person was never good at balancing a checkbook, struggling with this task is probably not a warning sign. But if their ability to balance a checkbook has changed a lot, it is something to share with a doctor.
Some people may recognize changes in themselves before anyone else notices. Other times, friends and family members will be the first to observe changes in the person’s memory, behavior, or abilities.
To help, the Alzheimer’s Association has created this list of warning signs for Alzheimer’s Disease and related dimentias. Individuals may experience one or more of these in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.
- 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 they used to handle on their own.
What are typical age-related changes? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later. - 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 are typical age-related changes? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook. - Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks at Home, At Work, or At Liesure
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 are typical age-related changes? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or record a television show. - 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 are typical age-related changes? Getting confused about the day of the week, but figuring it out later. - Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spacial 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. 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. - 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 are typical age-related changes? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word. - 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 are typical age-related changes? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control. - 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 are typical age-related changes? Making a bad decision once in a while. - 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 may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
What are typical age-related changes? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family, and social obligations. - 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 are typical age-related changes? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
Note: Mood changes with age may also be a sign of some other condition. Consult a doctor if you observe any changes.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing any of the 10 warning signs, please see a doctor to find out the cause. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for your future.
Your local Alzheimer’s Association can help.
Visit alz.org/10signs or call 1-877-IS IT ALZ.
