Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.

Early diagnosis can make a big difference in managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and helping people live as independently as possible. Here are five questions that can help you recognize the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease in yourself or someone you love.

Question 1: Are You Having Trouble Remembering Things?

Forgetting things once in a while is normal, but if you’re having trouble remembering things that you used to know well, like how to get to your favorite restaurant, that could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

Other signs of memory problems include misplacing things, forgetting important dates or events, and relying heavily on reminders or notes to get through the day.

Question 2: Do You Have Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks?

If you’re struggling to complete tasks that you used to do easily, such as cooking a meal or paying bills, that could be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

People with Alzheimer’s may also have trouble following written or verbal instructions and may get lost or disoriented, even in familiar places.

Question 3: Are You Having Trouble With Language?

People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble with language, both speaking and understanding it. They may have difficulty finding the right word, or may use the wrong word, and their conversations may become repetitive or hard to follow.

Reading and writing may also become more difficult as the disease progresses.

Question 4: Are You Experiencing Changes in Mood or Personality?

Alzheimer’s disease can cause changes in mood and personality that may be noticeable to others. People with the disease may become easily confused, irritable, or anxious, and they may have trouble sleeping.

They may also become less sociable and withdraw from hobbies or activities that they used to enjoy.

Question 5: Are You Having Trouble With Spatial Relationships or Visual Images?

People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble with spatial relationships or visual images. They may have difficulty judging distances or navigating familiar environments, and they may have trouble recognizing faces or objects.

They may also experience hallucinations or see things that aren’t really there.

Conclusion

Recognizing the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult, but it’s important to seek medical advice if you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of the disease.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis can help people manage the symptoms and plan for the future. If you answered yes to any of the questions above, make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss your concerns.