Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.
There are 10 early signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Get checked. Early detection matters.
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same questions over and over.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks: People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favourite game.
4. Confusion with time or place: People living with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: They may have problems judging distance and determining colour or contrast, causing issues with driving.
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6. New problems with words in speaking or writing:
People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary.
7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps:
A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
8. Decreased or poor judgment: Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities: They may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements.
10. Changes in mood and personality: They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.
