Alzheimer’s begins causing damage to the brain many years before symptoms become apparent. The brain has literally billions of neurons that form a network capable of 100 trillion connections. By the time enough connections have degraded and symptoms are apparent, there are some clear signs that indicate a person is experiencing Alzheimer’s and not just brain changes that come with normal aging. 10 Common Dementia Signs & Symptoms10 Common Dementia Signs & Symptoms
The following list covers common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (though some also apply to other dementias). Individuals who exhibit several of these warning signs should see a physician for a complete examination. 10 Common Dementia Signs & Symptoms
- Memory lapses that disrupt daily life– Forgetting newly-learned information and important dates or events; increased reliance on other people or memory implements to function
- Problem solving and planning difficulties– Issues with concentration and familiar multi-step processes like recipes or paying bills; simple tasks may take much longer than before
- Difficulty carrying out familiar tasks– Trouble driving to a known destination, managing a budget or remembering how a favorite game is played
- Locational/temporal confusion– Losing track of dates and passage of time; trouble understanding things planned for later; forgetting where they are or how they got there.
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships – Vision problems; difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color/contrast
- New problems with words in speaking or writing– Trouble with conversation, like losing track and not knowing how to continue; repeating themselves; problems finding the right word or referring to things by the wrong name
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps– Placing things in unusual locations; inability to retrace steps to find lost items; accusations of stealing to those around them
- Decreased or poor judgment– Poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers; paying less attention to grooming and personal cleanliness
- Withdrawal from work or social activities– Pulling away from social activities, interests, large groups, sports and hobbies; trouble remembering how to participate in favorite pastimes; may seem introverted
- Changes in mood and personality– Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious; may be easily upset in places where they are out of their comfort zone
