Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 50 million people worldwide. It is the most common type of dementia.
Alzheimer’s causes problems with memory and other mental abilities. It can have a huge effect on a person’s daily life.
Keep reading to find out about the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s.
Memory Loss
This is the most common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s normal for people to be forgetful now and then, especially as they age. However, a person will Alzheimer’s will be more forgetful than normal. Their memory loss will have a huge impact on their daily life.
A person who is experiencing Alzheimer’s-related memory loss may:
- Easily forget what they have just learned
- Forget things that have happened in the past
- Forget plans that they have made
- Forget important dates
- Forget where they’ve put things
- Ask repetitive questions
- Need frequent reminders
- Rely on memory aids like notes and calendars
This can feel overwhelming. That’s why Memory Care is available to give people with Alzheimer’s the care and support they need.
Everyday Tasks Are Difficult
Familiar tasks can become very difficult for a person with Alzheimer’s. They can find it very difficult to concentrate and take longer to do things that were once easy for them.
They may get lost going somewhere that they regularly go to, like the grocery store or their home. They might struggle to complete tasks at work, or how to use their phone.
Hard to Make Plans or Solve Problems
Alzheimer’s can make it difficult for a person to make a plan, solve problems and stay focused. These detailed tasks can be even more challenging if they involve numbers.
It can be hard for them to follow directions or instructions, pay monthly bills or balance their finances. If they are starting to find these common tasks challenging, it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
Poor Judgment
Another early sign of Alzheimer’s is making poor decisions. This can be very out of character for some people.
For example, a person may make questionable financial choices. They might spend a lot of money on things that they don’t need, or pay a lot of money to a financial scam.
Someone with Alzheimer’s may become less concerned about personal hygiene and grooming. They may bath less frequently, forget to change their clothes, or refuse to brush their teeth.
Trying to Find the Right Words
Most people have struggled to find a word that they’re looking for. However, for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, this can have a much bigger impact on their ability to communicate.
Words and conversations can become very frustrating. They may struggle to find the word that they’re thinking of, or call things by the wrong name.
For others, it can become difficult to begin or join conversations. They may pause in the middle as they lose concentration, or forget how to finish their sentence.
Conversations may become repetitive, especially if a person forgets that it has already happened.
Confused about Time or Place
This is one of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s that may be more obvious to others.
A person with Alzheimer’s can begin to lose track of time. They may not know what season, month, date, or time of day it is. Planning for the future can become almost impossible, as they cannot understand things that aren’t happening in the present.
Some people can also become confused about where they are. They may easily get lost and become disorientated. They can forget where they are, how they got there, or why they’re there.
This can be quite frightening and upsetting for the person, as well as their loved ones.
Personality and Mood Changes
One of the most upsetting symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be the person’s personality and mood changes. It can someone seem like a very different person than their normal selves.
A person with Alzheimer’s can cause extreme swings in personality or mood. Someone may lose their sense of humor, or suddenly become very confused, irritated, anxious, afraid, or fearful. They can also begin to withdraw from their loved ones and hobbies.
Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
If you’re worried about the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, then contact your doctor.
They can carry out cognitive assessments and tests, offer a diagnosis and discuss the next steps with you.
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