Alzheimer’s Signs & Symptoms
The neural damage wrought by Alzheimer’s that eventually manifests as dementia begins many years before symptoms become apparent. The brain has literally billions of neurons that form a network capable of 100 trillion connections. By the time enough connections have degraded and symptoms are apparent, there are some clear signs that indicate a person is experiencing Alzheimer’s and not just brain changes that come with normal aging.
The following list covers common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (though some also apply to other dementias). Individuals who exhibit several of these warning signs should see a physician for a complete examination.
Memory lapses that disrupt daily life
Forgetting newly-learned information and important dates or events; increased reliance on other people or memory implements to function
Problem solving and planning difficulties
Issues with concentration and familiar multi-step processes like recipes or paying bills; simple tasks may take much longer than before
Difficulty carrying out familiar tasks
Trouble driving to a known destination, managing a budget or remembering how a favorite game is played
Locational/temporal confusion
Losing track of dates and passage of time; trouble understanding things planned for later; forgetting where they are or how they got there.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Vision problems; difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color/contrast
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Trouble with conversation, like losing track and not knowing how to continue; repeating themselves; problems finding the right word or referring to things by the wrong name
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Placing things in unusual locations; inability to retrace steps to find lost items; accusations of stealing to those around them
Decreased or poor judgment
Poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers; paying less attention to grooming and personal cleanliness
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Pulling away from social activities, interests, large groups, sports and hobbies; trouble remembering how to participate in favorite pastimes; may seem introverted
Changes in mood and personality
Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious; may be easily upset in places where they are out of their comfort zone