Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Early detection is essential for managing the disease and planning for the future. By understanding the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, families and their loved ones can help recognize the signs and seek appropriate medical care. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
Memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information, is one of the most common early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. You may notice your older loved one forgetting important dates, asking for the same information repeatedly, or relying more on family members for things they used to manage on their own.
Struggling to perform familiar tasks.
Tasks that were once routine can become challenging for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. This includes trouble driving to familiar places, managing personal finances, or doing a load of laundry. Your loved one may start avoiding these activities out of frustration or embarrassment.
Disoriented with time or place.
Disorientation to time and place is a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Your senior loved one may lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They might get lost in familiar places or forget where they are and how they got there.
Trouble with problem-solving.
A person with Alzheimer’s disease often has trouble working with numbers or following a plan. For example, your loved one might have difficulty following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, or concentrating on tasks they previously managed independently.
New problems with language.
It’s not uncommon for someone with Alzheimer’s to experience problems with words. They might stop in the middle of a conversation and feel confused about how to continue. They may also repeat themselves. Vocabulary becomes harder to recall for someone with Alzheimer’s. Finding the right word or calling things by the wrong name can become more frequent.
Misplacing things.
A person with Alzheimer's may put things in unusual places. They might lose items and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
Decreased or poor judgment.
If your loved one has Alzheimer’s, you may notice changes in their decision-making abilities. For example, individuals might use poor judgement when handling money or start to neglect their personal hygiene.
Withdrawal from social activities.
People with Alzheimer's may start to withdraw from hobbies or social activities they once enjoyed. This can be due to a combination of difficulty performing these activities and a fear of embarrassment.
Changes in mood and personality.
In many cases, people with Alzheimer’s experience shifts in mood and personality. Your loved one may appear more confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious.
When to Seek Help
If you or a loved one are showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Early diagnosis allows family members time to understand the disease, find appropriate solutions, and explore all the care options available.
The good news for people living with Alzheimer’s is that help and support are available. Often, a top priority is finding a memory care community in your loved one’s area where experienced caregivers help residents remain safe, engaged, and active long after diagnosis. Memory care communities provide specialized care and support for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, creating a safe and nurturing environment where seniors can thrive.
