Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. The earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's usually begin to appear in people in their late 30s or early 40s, but because they are often mistaken for other health conditions, they may not be noticed. As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to diagnose and treat accurately.

Difficulty remembering things.

When the disease is in its early stages, you may notice that your loved one seems to have difficulty recalling names or where they put things. As the disease progresses, your loved one may have more difficulty recalling details of conversations or events that occurred recently. They may also have trouble remembering their own name on occasion.

Difficulty managing finances.

• Difficulty paying bills.
• Difficulty managing bank accounts.
• Inability to manage financial paperwork, such as signing checks or withdrawing money from ATMs.

If you notice these signs of trouble with your loved one's finances, it may be an indication that your loved one is experiencing memory problems or other cognitive decline. But it's important to remember that not all memory problems are caused by Alzheimer’s disease, so talk to your loved one about getting tested by a doctor if you think something is wrong.

Inability to make decisions and plan.

Losing the ability to make decisions, plan and organize thoughts is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer's disease. You may notice that your loved one:

• Finds it difficult to follow through with decisions.
• Has trouble prioritizing tasks or activities (for example, they might spend a lot of time on something unimportant).
• Has difficulty organizing things or thinking logically about how to do so (for example, they can't seem to keep their clothes sorted by type).

Changes in mood, personality, and behavior.

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, you may notice changes in your loved one’s mood, personality, and behavior. These emotional and behavioral changes are common symptoms of the disease, and they can occur at any stage of the illness. For example, your loved one may become irritable, anxious, depressed, apathetic, or withdrawn, and they may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. These changes can be difficult to cope with, but it’s important to remember that they are a natural part of the disease process and can be managed with the right support and care.

Decreased interest in activities and hobbies.

As Alzheimer's progresses, your loved one may lose interest in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed. They may no longer enjoy the same activities that they previously enjoyed or may not have the energy or stamina for them.

Eating less and losing weight.

• Weight loss. This is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and can be caused by a loss of interest in eating or by a decline in the brain’s ability to detect hunger.
• Difficulty swallowing and/or choking on food. Swallowing problems may lead to coughing, gagging, or frequent vomiting.
• Loss of appetite and/or poor hygiene (e.g., not bathing) are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as well. Some people with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty swallowing because the disease affects their ability to coordinate the muscles used for swallowing.

Confusion about time, place, or people.

Confusion about time, place, or people can be early symptoms of Alzheimer's. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s:

• Difficulty with orientation. People with the disease may have difficulty learning new places and memorizing them because the disease affects the brain’s ability to process and store new information.
• Difficulty with place and time. People with the disease may get lost on familiar routes or forget when they are supposed to leave for events.
• Difficulty with people. People with the disease may forget who their friends and family members are, or they might struggle to recognize them when they see them again after a long period of time apart.

Difficulty learning new information.

• Difficulty learning new information. As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty learning new information and remembering what they have learned.
• Trouble following instructions. When someone tries to teach something to a person with Alzheimer’s, it's important that they explain things step by step, but complex instructions can be difficult to understand.
• Trouble following conversations is also a common symptom of Alzheimer’s.

Problems with driving.

If you are having problems driving, it is important to see a doctor. This may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or another health condition that needs treatment. Alzheimer’s can impair a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.

It is important to see the doctor if you notice any of these changes in yourself or a loved one.

If you notice changes in memory, thinking or behavior that are impacting daily life in yourself or someone you care about, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection of Alzheimer’s can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with the condition.

Tips for Caregivers

• Build a support network.
• Stay organized.
• Explore treatments and clinical trials.
• Make time for self-care.