Ten signs a loved one might have Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. While many individuals experience some changes in memory as they grow older, the changes that occur because of Alzheimer’s are different. It is important to differentiate between normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
Early diagnosis can allow you to seek treatment as well as plan for the future. Here are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, as outlined by the Alzheimer’s Association:
1. Memory changes that disrupt daily Life: These memory changes include forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events and relying heavily on others for information.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems: Individuals have trouble developing or following a plan or working with numbers. They may lose track of monthly bills or be unable to follow a familiar recipe.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Those with Alzheimer’s are often unable to complete their usual daily tasks. They may get lost while driving to a familiar location or managing a budget.
4. Confusion with time or place: Individuals lose track of dates and time. They may become confused by what is not happening immediately, or forget where they are or how they got there.
5. Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships: Some individuals have difficulty reading, judging distance or determining color or contrast.
6. New problems with words: People with Alzheimer’s have a hard time starting or joining a conversation. They may stop mid-conversation and not know how to continue or may repeat themselves.
7. Misplacing items without being able to retrace steps: Items may be placed in unusual places and individuals will be unable to retrace their steps to find them.
8. Decreased or poor judgment: Those with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in decision making abilities, such as giving too much money to telemarketers or paying less attention to personal grooming.
9. Withdrawal from work or social activities: Someone with Alzheimer’s may become removed from hobbies, social activities or work projects.
10. Changes in mood or personality: People with Alzheimer’s can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.