Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: Ten Indicative Signs and Symptoms
1. Disruptive Memory Loss
One of the most common and noticeable issues related to Alzheimers disease is memory loss. However, many people, as they age experience some mild to moderate memory loss from time to time. An important sign of an Alzheimers diagnosis is memory loss that is disruptive to daily life. This means forgetting recently acquired information, asking for the same information repeatedly, an increased dependence on memory aides
Mild forgetfulness such as forgetting names or appointments is not severe but when people are unable to live their life as normal, then there may be cause for concern.
2. Linguistic Issues
There are many people who are dealing with the early stages of Alzheimers disease who have to struggle to find the right thing to say, or may have issues coming up with the right word when speaking.
3. Confusion Regarding Time and Place
A large warning sign with Alzheimers disease is having confusion with time and place. This can mean losing track of the year, the season or how much time has passed. They may often travel some place and forget where they are or how they arrived to this destination.
4. Visual Image and Spatial Relationship Challenges
When individuals have difficulties judging distances or spatial relationships between two things, then they may in the early developmental stages of Alzheimers disease. This is different than just having worsening eyesight with age.
5. An Inability to Retrace Steps
While many people misplace and lose things, those with developing Alzheimers disease forget and lose things quite often. A large indicator of a developing problem is that they will be unable to retrace their steps to find something they have misplaced. They may also develop a tendency of accusing others of stealing the items they have lost.
6. Problem Solving Challenges
In the early formative stages of Alzheimers disease and dementia, individuals with the condition may have trouble with solving problems and to develop and follow a plan. This can mean filling out paper work or following directions on a recipe.
7. Issues With Completing Difficult Familiar Tasks
Many times when people are in the early stages of Alzheimers development, it can be hard to complete even their most familiar tasks. This can mean completing a routine task at work, remembering how to play their favorite game or any other similar activity.
8. Changes in Mood and Personality
When you notice that a loved one dealing with memory issues also has changes in their mood or personality and they start exhibiting behaviors or characteristics that are not normally indicative of their demeanor, then this can be a warning sign of Alzheimers issues.
9. Issues with Judgment
Many times those with Alzheimers disease will struggle with their ability to make decisions and start to exhibit poor judgment that may not be their standard approach to everyday decisions. This can mean poor financial judgment or poor decisions regarding their personal hygiene.
10. Social Withdrawal
When an individual is not only experiencing basic memory loss but removing themselves socially from situations and refusing to participate in their own favorite hobbies and social activities, then this may be a sign that they are dealing with Alzheimers disease.