10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

Memory loss that disrupts daily life can be a symptom of Alzheimer's or another dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning. If you have any of these 10 warning signs and symptoms, don't ignore them.

1: Memory loss that interferes with normal life

One of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Other symptoms include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over again, and an increased need to rely on memory aids (such as reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members to handle things they used to handle on their own.

What are typical age-related changes?

Sometimes forgetting a name or appointment only to remember it later.

2: Challenges with planning or problem solving

Some people who have memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease or other dementias may experience changes in the way they make and follow plans or handle numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or remembering their monthly bills. They may have trouble concentrating and take much longer to do things than before.

What are typical age-related changes?

Occasional mistakes when managing finances or household bills

3: Difficulty completing familiar tasks

People with memory loss from Alzheimer's or other dementias often find it hard to complete everyday tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to familiar places, putting together a shopping list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What are typical age-related changes?

Occasionally needing help to use the microwave or record a TV show.

4: Confusion about time or place

People with Alzheimer's or other dementias may lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding if something doesn't happen right away. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What are typical age-related changes?

Being confused about the day of the week, but figuring it out later.

5: Difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships

Some people with Alzheimer's or other dementias may experience changes in their vision. This can cause difficulty maintaining balance or reading. They may also have trouble judging distances and determining colors or contrast, leading to driving problems.

What are typical age-related changes?

Vision changes associated with cataracts.

6: Problems with new words in speaking or writing

A person with Alzheimer's or other dementias may have trouble following or joining in a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and not know how to continue, or they may repeat themselves. They may have a limited vocabulary and have trouble naming familiar objects or use the wrong names (for example, calling a "watch" a "hand clock").

What are typical age-related changes?

Sometimes have trouble finding the right words.

7: Misplace things and can't retrace steps

A person with Alzheimer's or other dementias may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and have trouble walking back to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.

What are typical age-related changes?

Misplace things from time to time and then go back to find them.

8: Decreased judgment

A person with Alzheimer's or other dementias may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may make poor judgments when dealing with money or take less care to groom or keep themselves clean.

What are typical age-related changes?

Occasionally make poor decisions or mistakes, such as forgetting to change the oil in the car.

9: Withdraw from work or social activities

People with Alzheimer's or other dementias may experience changes in their ability to hold or keep up with conversations. As a result, they may drop hobbies, social events, or other activities. They may have trouble keeping up with their favorite team or activities.

What are typical age-related changes?

Sometimes feel uninterested in family or social obligations.

10: Mood and personality changes

People with Alzheimer's or other dementias may experience mood and personality changes. They may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends, or when they leave their comfort zone.

What are typical age-related changes?

Develop very particular ways of doing things and become irritable when routines are disrupted.

If you or a family member is living with Alzheimer's, the Alzheimer's Association is here for you day and night. Our programs and support services connect you with peers and professionals to help you make the necessary plans and adjustments to live your best life for as long as possible.

▸24/7 Helpline: Call 800.272.3900 any time for free, confidential support. Get reliable information, advice, crisis assistance, and emotional support from a trained staff. (Source: https://tinyurl.com/4jjsmf4z)

▸Local Resources: Find a local office that offers free or low-cost support groups and educational programs, often in multiple languages. Call the hotline to find resources. (Source: https://tinyurl.com/4jjsmf4z)

▸Support Programs: Connect with others for encouragement and shared experiences through local or online support groups like AlzConnected®.

▸Educational Programs: Learn about Alzheimer’s through a variety of educational programs offered in the community or online, covering topics such as understanding Alzheimer’s, managing money, and more.

▸Early Engagement: The Alzheimer’s Association Early Social Engagement Program provides a comfortable way for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia to get out, be active, and connect with others in the early stages.

▸Online Tools: Take advantage of free tools like ALZConnected® for community support, ALZNavigator™ for mentoring, TrialMatch® for clinical research, the Community Resource Finder, and the Live Well tool for navigating challenges. (Source: https://tinyurl.com/4jjsmf4z)

▸Safety: Be prepared for safety issues like driving and medication management; consider joining a wandering response service to maintain independence longer.

For more details or assistance, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline.