The signs of natural aging and the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease resemble each other. This resemblance can make it difficult for patients to realize the difference. However, symptoms such as extreme memory loss or other cognitive changes that disrupt normal life are not typical signs of aging and should not be overlooked.
Patients may be aware of their symptoms or it is not uncommon for them to be unaware that anything is wrong. The following are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease that The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that everyone become familiar with:
- Memory changes that disrupt daily life. Forgetfulness, particularly of recent events or information, or repeatedly asking for the same information
- Challenges in planning or solving problems. Loss of concentration (having trouble planning or completing familiar tasks, difficulty with abstract thinking such as simple arithmetic problems)
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure
- Confusion about time or place. Difficulty recognizing familiar neighborhoods or remembering how you arrived at a location, confusion about months or seasons
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. Difficulty reading, figuring out distance, or determining color.
- Language problems. Forgetting the names of objects, mixing up words, difficulty completing sentences or following conversations
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Putting objects back in unusual places, losing things, accusing others of hiding or stealing.
- Impaired judgment and decision making. Dressing inappropriately or making poor financial decisions
- Withdrawal from work or social activities. No longer participating in familiar hobbies and interests.
- Mood and personality changes. Confusion, increased fear or suspicion, apathy and depression, anxiety. Signs can be loss of interest in activities, increased sleeping, sitting in front of the television for long periods of time.
Alzheimer's Association. 19 Apr. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2011. <http://www.alz.org/index.asp>.
Simon, Harvey. "Alzheimer's Disease Background - Alzheimer's Disease Health Information - NY Times Health." Health News - The New York Times. 22 June 2010. Web. 16 Apr. 2011. <http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/alzheimers-disease/background.html>.
