 It is also a time that can raise questions about the
cognitive health of aging family members. With Alzheimer’s disease
in particular, it is important to know what it is and what is not
normal aging. Below is a list of warning signs along with examples
of normal aging. If you notice any of the warning signs in your
family members, it is recommended that you see a doctor.
Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common
signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently
learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or
events; asking for the same information over and over; relying on
memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family
members for things they used to handle on one’s own.
What's typical: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments,
but remembering them later.
Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may
experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or
work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe
or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty
concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did
before.
What's typical: Making occasional errors when balancing a
checkbook.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at
leisure. People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete
daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a
familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the
rules of a favorite game.
What's typical: Occasionally needing help to use the settings
on a microwave or to record a television show.
Confusion with time or place: People with Alzheimer's can
lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have
trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately.
Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
What's typical: Getting confused about the day of the week
but figuring it out later.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's.
They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining
color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror
and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are
the person in the mirror.
What's typical: Vision changes related to cataracts.
New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with
Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation.
They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how
to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with
vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by
the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
What's typical: Sometimes having trouble finding the right
word.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A
person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places.
They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to
find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This
may occur more frequently over time.
What's typical: Misplacing things from time to time, such as
a pair of glasses or the remote control.
Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer's may
experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they
may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts
to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping
themselves clean.
What's typical: Making a bad decision once in a while.
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 Withdrawal from work or social activities.
A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from
hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have
trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to
complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because
of the changes they have experienced.
What's typical:
Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.
Changes in mood and personality. The mood
and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can
become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may
be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where
they are out of their comfort zone.
What's typical: Developing very specific ways of doing things
and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias is an
important step in getting appropriate treatment, care and support
service.
Benefits of an early diagnosis of
Alzheimer’s disease:
-
Benefit from treatments that may improve symptoms and help
maintain a level of independence longer
-
Have more time to plan for the future
-
Increase chances of successfully finding a clinical drug trial
through Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch, helping advance
research
-
Participate in decisions about their care, transportation,
living options, financial and legal matters
-
Develop a relationship with doctors and care partners
-
Benefit from care and support services, making it easier for
them and their family to manage the disease
Anyone with questions about Alzheimer’s disease
and/or seeking information should contact the Alzheimer’s
Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. Experts are available
to take calls from individuals concerned with their own cognitive
health as well as from family members and friends who may be
concerned about a loved one and are seeking resources.
About the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter:
The Alzheimer’s Association® is the world’s leading voluntary health
organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission
is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of
research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected;
and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain
health. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter covers an
87-county area with offices in Chicago, Joliet, Rockford,
Springfield, Bloomington, Peoria, Quincy and Carbondale. Since 1980,
the Chapter has provided reliable information and care consultation;
created supportive services for families; increased funding for
dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. The
Illinois Chapter serves more than half a million Illinois residents
affected by Alzheimer's disease, including more than 220,000
Illinois residents living with the disease. Our vision is a world
without Alzheimer's®. For more information visit www.alz.org/illinois
or call our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.
[Kaylin Risvold
Senior Manager, Media Relations]
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