Ten Warning Signs Of Alzheimer’s Disease

1.      Memory loss that affects daily life.

One of the most common signs, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates; asking for the same information over and over; and relying on memory aides or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

2.      Difficulties in planning or solving problems.

Some people may experience complications in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.

3.      Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure.

Sometimes people may have problems driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules to a familiar game.

4.      Confusion with time or place.

People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and passage of time. Sometimes Alzheimer’s people forget where they are and how they reached there.

5.      Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

Vision problems can be a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining colour or contrast. They might not recognize their own reflection in the mirror.

6.      New problems with words in speaking or writing.

People with Alzheimer’s may have problems joining of following a conversation. They may struggle with vocabulary and call things by the wrong name.

7.      Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.

A person with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to retrace their steps. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing.

8.      Decreased or poor judgement.

They may experience changes in judgement, giving large amounts of money to telemarketers, for example. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

9.      Withdrawal from work or social activities.

People with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite team or forget how to complete a favourite hobby.

10.  Changes in mood and personality.

The moods and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They may become suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may become easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.