Alzheimer’s is a debilitating and often heartbreaking disease that affects millions worldwide.

It’s a progressive disease that deteriorates cognitive function, making it increasingly difficult for sufferers to remember things, communicate, and perform everyday tasks.

While Alzheimer’s disease is more common among elderly individuals, it can affect anyone, regardless of age. Being aware of the warning signs of the disease is crucial, particularly if you have a family history of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

1. Memory Loss

Memory loss is one of the most well-known symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. This sign gradually worsens over time and might frequently result in forgetting important dates, events, and conversations.

2. Difficulty with Problem Solving

Alzheimer’s affects how the brain processes information and makes decisions. If the mind takes much longer to work out a problem than usual, this may indicate early signs of dementia.

3. Inability to Complete Tasks

If you have a hard time finishing normal tasks, you are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. You may forget what you were doing or how to do simple tasks like tying a shoelace.

4. Language Problems

Difficulty communicating with others is another common early sign of Alzheimer’s. Those with Alzheimer’s frequently pause in the middle of a conversation and may find it hard to think of the correct terms to use.

5. Misplacing Things

Memory loss in Alzheimer’s sufferers can also result in misplacing things. For instance, frequently forgetting where important objects like car keys or wallet were last kept.

6. Mood Swings

Alzheimer’s can affect one’s mood, leading to anxiousness, depression, and irritability.

7. Lack of Initiative

An inclination to withdraw from social, work, or leisure activities is often displayed by those with early Alzheimer’s. The individual may also fall behind on work and social commitments.

8. Confusion About Time and Place

People with Alzheimer’s disease may lose their grasp on time, date, and place. For example, they may forget the day of the week, year, and even their age.

9. Poor Judgement

Those with Alzheimer’s might have difficulty making sound choices, such as making poor financial decisions, difficulty judging distances, and risk-taking behavior.

10. Experience Vision Problems

Alzheimer’s can affect one’s vision, leading to issues with spatial recognition. The sufferer may struggle with balance or identifying objects visually.

11. Disorientation

People with Alzheimer’s may get disoriented and lost more often than usual. Simple tasks like retracing their steps home may become difficult.

12. Wandering

It’s common for Alzheimer’s sufferers to wander aimlessly and become lost in familiar environments. This presents a significant safety risk, particularly if the person wanders outside their home.

13. Trouble with Spatial/Visual Perception

Alzheimer’s sufferers may have difficulty judging distances or identifying objects visually. Some may experience changes in their ability to distinguish between colors.

14. Lack of Hygiene and Self-Care

Those with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty performing basic daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, and toileting.

15. Repetitive Behavior

Repeating the same phrase or behavior repeatedly is another common warning sign of Alzheimer’s. This generally includes behaviors such as tapping fingers or repeating the same subject continually.

16. Changes in Personality

As the condition progresses, personality changes, and mood swings are common occurrences for those with Alzheimer’s. This often manifests as becoming increasingly paranoid or aggressive.

17. Difficulty with Familiar Tasks

Tasks that were once routine and familiar, like cooking a familiar dish or driving to a friend’s place, may become increasingly challenging and cause frustration.

18. Impaired Judgement

Alzheimer’s disease can impair decision-making capacity. An individual’s ability to handle money, drive, and make responsible decisions about personal safety can become impaired.

An individual with Alzheimer’s may begin to withdraw from social activities or struggle to recognize significant people from their past or present social circles.

20. Detection By Family Members

In some cases, family members may notice changes in an Alzheimer’s sufferer, such as sudden forgetfulness or difficulty completing tasks.

These early signs may indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, which is why it is recommended to seek medical attention to treat Alzheimer’s disease early on.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis for Alzheimer’s is critical, so that individuals can be referred for special treatments sooner and take steps for better management of the disease.

Knowing these early signs can be vital in helping someone get the care they need and live a fulfilling life in spite of the disease.