Is It Alzheimer’s Disease?

Eight Warning Signs

Below is a list of common symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease (some of these symptoms also may apply to other illnesses). In the early stages of the disease, the symptoms are subtle and easily ignored.

1. Short-Term Memory Loss

Forgetting things more often and not remember them later. Repeatedly asking the same question, and not remembering the answer. Alzheimer’s disease begins in the part of the brain that influences short-term memory.

2. Problems with Language

Forgetting words, substituting words, or temporarily losing their place in a conversation.

3. Decreased Ability to Multi-Task

Increasingly more difficult to focus on completing or addressing a set of tasks at one time.

4. Problems with Abstract Thinking

Finding tasks more complicated than usual, like figuring numbers in a checkbook, processing a sequence in recipes, or even negotiating a route to a familiar place.

5. Misplacing Things

Losing things and not being able to find them, even with prolonged searching.

6. Changes in Mood or Behavior

Experiencing mood struggles early in the illness, especially depression and anxiety. Depression alone can provoke symptoms that look like a dementia. Thorough dementia evaluations should occur any time symptoms are significant enough to impact day-to-day life.

7. Changes in Personality

Becoming more irritable or reacting in ways that are different from how they typically would respond.

8. Withdrawal from Normal Activities

Retreating from more complex tasks or social settings (perhaps due to a feeling of uncertainty or fear of embarrassment in social settings).

If you review the list and find several areas of concern, you should make an appointment with a physician for a complete examination of the individual with the symptoms.

Source: Alzheimer's Association - Heart of America Chapter