According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 5.7 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer’s in 2018. And by 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million.
While there is no known cure, recognizing early Alzheimer’s warning signs for premature detection can initiate timely action and support, which may help deter health risks and bare a greater quality of life.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, a general and overarching term to describe a group of symptoms that impairs brain function and compromises the ability to think normally, clearly, and rationally.
Alzheimer’s is progressive and irreversible, meaning symptoms likely develop slowly, worsen over time, and become serious enough to impair daily life. While there are treatment options available, the condition has no known cure and is likely to eventually take the lives of those affected.
Looking out for early Alzheimer’s symptoms can initiate timely action and support, which may help deter health risks and bare a greater quality of life. To shine light on the beginning characteristics of AD, the Alzheimer’s Association developed a checklist of Alzheimer’s warning signs for premature detection.
So if you or someone you love is experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with a doctor right away.
10 Early Alzheimer Signs and Symptoms
1. Short-Term Memory Changes
While forgetfulness tends to be attributed to advancing age, memory loss is a cornerstone early Alzheimer’s symptom.
Memory loss is often short-term, especially in the beginning, in which individuals may forget what they ate for breakfast but able to communicate an experience that occurred years ago. Overtime, though, forgetting long-term occasions is likely.
What’s considered normal with age:
Forgetting names, appointments, etc. on the spot but being able to remember later on.
2. Difficulty with Familiar and Daily Tasks
From forgetting where to drive to a common location to neglecting personal hygiene, regular and familiar tasks that become difficult to complete is an early Alzheimer’s symptom.
What’s considered normal with age:
Needing minor assistance on occasion, including navigating through the settings of a television.
3. Losing Things
Misplacing a phone or watch occurs from time-to-time, though not being able to retrace footsteps raises a flag of concern. Placing items in unusual spots, including a remote in the refrigerator, is also a warning sign.
What’s considered normal with age:
Misplacing and retracing: Losing an item but having the ability to track and find them.
4. Confusion About Times and Places
Becoming and feeling disoriented easily is a warning sign of Alzheimer’s. The affected individual might get lost easily, lose track of dates, and may even forget where they are.
What’s considered normal with age:
Becoming confused about the day of the week, but being able to remember which day it is.
5. Mood and Personality Changes
People with Alzheimer’s can display changes in their mood and personality, including feeling confused, suspicious, irritable, angry, anxious, and depressed. They may also be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
What’s considered normal with age:
Becoming irritable and agitated if a routine is disrupted.
6. Vision Changes
Vision changes are a recognized warning sign of Alzheimer’s, including finding it difficult to read, judge distances, or identify colors. While such vision changes might seem more like an annoyance, they can be quite concerning if continuing to drive and raise the risk of falls and other injuries.
What’s considered normal with age:
Eye conditions to watch out for as you age, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
7. Communication Troubles
Trouble communicating effectively is a noticeable Alzheimer’s warning signs to look out for. The affected person may have difficulties identifying common objects and describe it instead. In addition to difficulties verbalizing, reading or writing may also be compromised.
What’s considered normal with age:
Having trouble finding the right word on occasion.
8. Problems with Problem Solving
The individual might have trouble making decisions, solving problems, or planning. For example, they may find it difficult to manage money or follow a recipe.
What’s considered normal with age:
Making an error every now and then, including when balancing a checkbook.
9. Ill Judgment
People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money and hand out large amounts to telemarketers.
What’s considered normal with age:
Making a poor decision from time-to-time.
10. Social Withdrawal
Withdrawing from social interactions and groups is an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s. You may start to notice you or your loved one are becoming less interested in gatherings with friends and family and hobbies and starting to sleep or watch TV more.
What’s considered normal with age:
Sometimes feeling weary of work, family, and social commitments.
