Alzheimer’s disease: Warning signs and symptoms

Alzheimer’s disease is typically characterized by memory loss, but there are other warning signs and symptoms a patient may experience. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, doctors can better determine the stage of the disease.

Warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Below you will find the 10 most common warning signs and symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Memory loss: The most common symptom is memory loss that affects one’s daily life. A patient cannot remember something they just learned, they increasingly rely on memory aids or reminders to remember important things, family members have to take over certain tasks such as paying patient’s bills on time.

Planning and solving problems: Patients may begin to experience associated with planning and problem-solving. They may experience difficulties following instructions or remembering to pay their bills. Their concentration may also be affected.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Patients may have difficulties performing everyday tasks such as going to familiar places, managing a budget, or completing their duties at work.

Confusion with time or place: Patients can lose track of dates, changes in seasons, or time. They may have increasing difficulty understanding things which are not occurring in the present.

Difficulty understanding images or spatial relationships: This involves difficulty seeing things in a distance or determining colors. This can raise problems when driving.
New problems with words or writing: Patients have a hard time joining conversations. They may stop mid-sentence, repeat themselves, or be at a loss for words. They may also call things by the wrong name, such as referring to a watch as a hand clock.

Misplacing things or being unable to retrace steps: Objects may end up in unusual places, patients may not be able to recognize the steps they took to locate these items.

Decreased or poor judgment: Decision-making becomes more difficult, for example, giving more money to cashiers than required. They may also pay less attention to grooming and personal hygiene.

Social withdrawal: Alzheimer-induced changes may prompt patients to withdraw from social situations or forget their favorite hobbies.

Changes in mood and personality: Patients may become confused, depressed, anxious, etc. They may become easily upset and feel uncomfortable in different settings.

If you begin to notice any of these changes in your loved one, you should schedule an appointment with their doctor. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, early detection can lead to better disease management in the long run.