Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While occasional forgetfulness is common with aging, persistent changes that interfere with daily life may be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are 7 early signs to be aware of:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Frequently forgetting recently learned information.
- Repeatedly asking the same questions.
- Relying increasingly on notes or family members for reminders.
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Trouble following familiar recipes.
- Difficulty managing bills or keeping track of finances.
- Taking much longer to complete familiar tasks.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Trouble driving to familiar places.
- Forgetting the rules of a favorite game.
- Difficulty using household appliances that were once familiar.
- Confusion with time or place
- Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time.
- Forgetting where they are or how they got there.
- Problems with words in speaking or writing
- Difficulty following or joining conversations.
- Struggling to find the right word.
- Calling objects by the wrong name.
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Putting items in unusual places (such as keys in the refrigerator).
- Being unable to find them by retracing recent activities.
- Occasionally accusing others of stealing.
- Changes in mood or personality
- Becoming unusually anxious, suspicious, depressed, or fearful.
- Increased irritability or confusion, especially in unfamiliar settings.
- Withdrawing from hobbies, work, or social activities.
When to seek medical advice
If you or someone you know has several of these symptoms and they are affecting daily life, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. Many conditions—including medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, depression, and sleep problems—can cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s, and some of these are treatable.
An early evaluation can help identify the cause and, if it is Alzheimer’s disease, allow treatment and support to begin sooner. Early diagnosis also gives individuals and families more time to plan for future care.
