By Alzheimer’s Association | Contributor
Disruptive memory loss in daily activities may indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a neurological condition that progressively affects memory, cognition, and reasoning abilities. There are ten key warning signs to be aware of; if you find any of these concerning, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider.
Memory loss affecting daily function
A prominent early sign of Alzheimer’s is the ability to forget information just learned. Other indicators include failing to recall significant dates or events, repetitively asking the same questions, and increasingly depending on aids like notes or technology, or on others for tasks they previously managed independently.
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Occasional lapses in recalling names or appointments but managing to remember them later.
Difficulty in planning or problem-solving
Individuals facing dementia may notice alterations in their capacity to formulate and adhere to plans or handle numerical tasks. They might struggle with familiar recipes or monitoring regular bills and experience diminished focus, which can lead to longer times in completing necessary tasks.
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Occasional mistakes when managing finances or household payments.
Trouble completing familiar activities
Those with Alzheimer’s frequently encounter challenges in executing routine tasks. They might find it difficult to navigate to usual destinations, organize grocery lists, or remember the rules of a beloved game.
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Occasionally requiring assistance with operating the microwave or recording programs on television.
Disorientation concerning time or place
Alzheimer’s patients can become confused about dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may struggle to comprehend situations that aren’t occurring instantly and might forget their current location or how they arrived there.
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Occasionally mixing up the day of the week but realizing the correct information later.
Difficulties interpreting visual stimuli and spatial relationships
Some individuals may face vision challenges that can signal Alzheimer’s. This could lead to balance issues, trouble reading, or difficulties in estimating distance and differentiating colors or contrasts, which poses problems while driving.
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Vision alterations related to cataracts.
New challenges with language in conversation or writing
Individuals with Alzheimer’s might find it hard to follow or engage in discussions. They may pause in the middle of conversations, struggling to continue or might repeat information. Additionally, they may experience difficulties with vocabulary, fail to identify familiar objects, or use incorrect terms (like calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Occasionally having difficulty retrieving specific words.
Misplaced items and loss of ability to retrace steps
An individual with Alzheimer’s may place items in strange locations and struggle to remember where they left them, often unable to retrace their steps. There may be accusations against others of theft, particularly as the condition advances.
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Occasionally misplacing belongings and being able to trace back steps to find them.
Decline in judgment or decision-making
People may show shifts in their judgment or decision-making abilities, such as making poor choices with finances or neglecting personal grooming and hygiene.
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Occasional poor decisions, like forgetting to maintain the car’s oil change schedule.
Withdrawal from social or work activities
Those affected by Alzheimer’s may notice a decline in their conversational skills, leading them to withdraw from hobbies, social engagements, or favorite activities. They may struggle to keep up with sports teams or other interests.
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Sometimes feeling detached from family or social events.
Alterations in mood and personality
Individuals with Alzheimer’s may undergo mood swings or changes in personality, feeling confused, suspicious, anxious, or depressed, and may become easily upset in familiar settings or social situations.
What’s a normal age-related adjustment?
Developing specific routines and becoming irritable when those routines are disrupted.
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