As we age, there will undoubtedly be some small gaps and failures in our memory, but this is completely normal and should not be cause for alarm. Losing the keys, misplacing an important document or forgetting about an appointment every now and then are not as concerning as forgetting what the keys are used for, understanding what the document says or remembering that we have a doctor.
Watch for These Signs
The following signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s-related memory loss may be first noticed by the individual experiencing memory loss or by close friends or family members. Either way, if you or someone you know exhibits one or more of these 10 warning signs, it may be time to seek medical attention. Early detection has been shown in research to lead to wider treatment options and better health outcomes.
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Living
While it is not unusual to occasionally misplace a person’s name and then recall it later, repeatedly forgetting the names of close friends and family members is a real warning sign of cognitive decline. Another early memory loss associated problem is forgetting recently learned information, important dates and events, and asking the same question over and over.
2. Problem Solving and Planning Difficulties
Another hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is the inability to solve common problems that are not that difficult to handle. Planning ahead is included in this warning sign because it is associated with the ability to solve issues both now and in the future. Examples include forgetting a favorite recipe, or paying monthly bills.
3. Familiar Tasks Become Overly Challenging
Older adults sometimes need a little assistance with new technology. People who are developing early Alzheimer’s find it difficult to do things they’ve done for a long time like shopping for groceries, finding a familiar location or forgetting how to play chess when they’ve played it for years.
4. Time and Place Become Confusing
People sometimes forget the day of the week it is, and this is not unusual as things like stress, work, and a lot of activity tend to make us forget the day of the week. Losing track of dates altogether, not recognizing seasons of the year and not knowing what year it is are all troubling warning signs of early dementia. Forgetting where one is or how one got there is also a red flag for dementia-related memory loss and possibly more cognitive issues in the future.
5. Spatial and Visual Disorientation
Individuals with early onset Alzheimer’s will find it difficult to navigate certain environments. For instance, the black tiles in a black-and-white tiled floor may be misperceived as holes in the floor. Distance can be confusing like slowing down at a stop sign. Related signs include tripping over objects in the home, and spilling or dropping things more frequently. One fact to remember is that for some individuals, a significant change in vision is an early warning sign.
6. Speaking and Writing Becomes Challenging
While we all may experience a time when we just can’t find the right word to use in a conversation with others, not knowing what the word means can spell trouble. Struggling to stay in a conversation, taking turns in communicating, repeating one’s self and using words in the wrong context are all tell-tale signs of Alzheimer’s-related memory loss.
7. Frequently Misplacing Things Without the Ability to Retrace One’s Steps
Everyone loses something sometime. But most people can mentally and visually retrace their steps in order to find what has been misplaced. Unfortunately, those with early onset Alzheimer’s find this either very difficult or near impossible. Losing the car keys is one thing. Finding them in the dishwasher is quite another. A related sign is paranoia and accusatory behavior when things become lost.
8. Decreasing or Poor Judgement
Individuals who experience memory loss may become a victim of fraud or some type of scam. They may also have difficulty managing their finances, taking care of a beloved pet, and no longer engage in good hygiene. Judgement and decision-making are also impaired and are signs of memory loss.
9. Social and Occupational Withdrawal
As memory loss and cognitive impairment worsen, some people will begin to shy away from social groups and work-related activities more than usual. Some will try to compensate as long as possible until they are no longer able to cover up their memory problems. Depression is not uncommon and should be addressed.
10. Changes in Personality and Mood
The final warning sign of early onset Alzheimer’s is one that almost every family member describes as the most difficult and heart-breaking thing to deal with – changes in personality and mood. “That’s just not my father anymore” and “My mother never acted or spoke like this” are frequently uttered by family members as they watch their loved one change right before them.
Final Thoughts on the Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease has been called a lot of things. It’s a neurodegenerative disorder. It is incurable and difficult to treat. It is an irreversible disease that will only get worse. Alzheimer’s disease is the “long goodbye”. Regardless of how we describe this disease, it is critical to be on the lookout for early warning signs both in one’s self and in people close to us.
A major takeaway is that catching early warning signs must be communicated to a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection leads to more treatment options and better health outcomes for the individual diagnosed with Alzheimer’s as well as their circle of friends and family members. Everyone benefits from early detection.