10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is devastating. An estimated 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer's dementia in 2021. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow memory decline. It can also affect your thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. There are ten signs that you or a loved one may be experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. If any of these signs persist, schedule an appointment with your doctor and consider a free memory screening at a clinical research site near you.

1. Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life 

A critical factor in spotting the early stages of Alzheimer's disease is noticing memory loss of recently learned information. Memory loss examples include forgetting dates and events and asking the same questions multiple times. 

2. Difficulty Completing Normal, Daily Tasks

It can be difficult for a person in the early stages of Alzheimer’s to complete daily tasks. For example, they may find it difficult to locate familiar places or to do simple tasks such as making a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

3. Trouble with Planning or Problem Solving 

It can sometimes become difficult for those with Alzheimer’s to work with numbers. Tasks such as paying bills may be swept under the rug or result in excessive errors. People with Alzheimer's also have difficulty planning things as simple as everyday errands.

4. Confused about the Current Time or Place

Alzheimer’s Disease can cause confusion and result in anxiety or panic. Frequently, people with Alzheimer's can forget where they are or how they got there. 

5. Trouble with Vision and Depth Perception 

Alzheimer’s Disease and vision issues can go hand-in-hand. For example, difficulty reading, balancing, or distinguishing the depth and color of objects may occur. 

6. Difficulty Pronouncing Words or Writing 

It can be difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s to join a conversation. They may stumble over their words, have trouble remembering names, and often repeat themselves. 

7. Losing Important Items Often

Everyone loses their keys, remote, or wallet every once in a while. However, someone suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s may often lose these things or put them in strange places. For example, they are putting their keys in the fridge. 

8. Poor Judgement

Someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease may have poor judgment. Examples include poor hygiene, trouble managing money, or acting irrationally.

9. Becoming Socially Distant

It can become difficult for people with Alzheimer’s to work or interact socially. You may notice them pulling away from normal social activities. They may start to have trouble keeping up with their favorite activity. 

10. Mood Swings 

Suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease can be extremely frustrating. It is common to experience sudden mood changes and, at times, act irrationally. A person with Alzheimer's disease can quickly become confused, suspicious, depressed, or even fearful. It is important to remember that we can have a natural decline in cognitive ability as we age. However, when that decline disrupts daily life, it is time to see a doctor for a memory screening.  Thankfully, there have been many breakthroughs in memory research, although there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s. Clinical trials are the only way to continue learning about this disease in hopes of finding a cure. If you or a loved one is currently experiencing any of these early symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, we encourage you to get a memory screening.