Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects millions of people around the world. While there is currently no cure for the disease, early intervention and treatment can make a significant difference in the quality of life for those affected.

One of the most critical steps in early intervention is recognizing the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

1. Memory Loss

Memory loss is one of the most common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It usually begins with short-term memory loss, such as forgetting recent conversations, appointments, or events.

Forgetting names or faces of people, repeating questions, and relying on memory aids like notes or reminders are other signs of memory loss.

2. Difficulty in Completing Familiar Tasks

Getting lost while driving on a familiar route, difficulty utilizing familiar tools or appliances, or struggling to follow a familiar recipe or game rules could be signs that someone is experiencing the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks requires extra attention to what was once second-nature to us and could be an early sign of cognitive decline.

3. Difficulty with Everyday Tasks

Alzheimer’s can make even mundane tasks such as brushing your teeth or getting dressed a struggle.

Someone who is affected by Alzheimer’s may have trouble matching colors or clothes, may find it difficult to determine the weather or what to do next.

4. Losing Track of Time and Dates

Losing track of the date, season, or time of day is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s. Someone with Alzheimer’s may lose track of time, forget what day it is or what their plans are for the day.

They may also experience confusion about what time of day it is as well as forget the correct time.

5. Mood Swings and Unexplained Personality Changes

Alzheimer’s can cause significant personality changes, leading to mood swings, and unusual behavioral patterns. This can include becoming more fearful, anxious or aggressive, or experiencing unexplained depression or mood swings.

6. Difficulty Communicating

As Alzheimer’s begins to affect brain function, it can become increasingly challenging to communicate and express oneself.

A person living with Alzheimer’s may pause in the middle of a conversation, struggle to remember the right words to use or repeat themselves. They may also have trouble comprehending what others are saying to them.

7. Losing or Misplacing Things

Someone with Alzheimer’s may begin to lose or misplace items more often than usual. They may forget where they put their keys, phone or wallet, or leave them in strange places.

This can be a significant safety concern as they may not be able to recall the reason for putting them in an unusual location.

8. Difficulty with Spatial Awareness

Alzheimer’s impacts cognitive function, which includes handling spatial awareness. Someone experiencing the onset of Alzheimer’s may become disorientated and get lost while out walking or have trouble judging depth or distance.

They may also experience hallucinations, including misinterpreting objects in front of them.

9. Changes in Sleep Routine

Changes in sleep patterns often go hand-in-hand with Alzheimer’s onset.

A person living with Alzheimer’s may experience disturbances to their sleep such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently throughout the night or becoming restless at night. These sleep disturbances may make the person more tired during the day, leading to cognitive exhaustion.

10. Changes in Decision Making

Alzheimer’s can impact decision making, from wearing the same clothes daily, to being indecisive about what to wear and when. They may become more impulsive or make poor decisions that can have long-term consequences.

Conclusion

Recognizing the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is critical in providing timely support to affected individuals. While Alzheimer’s may not have a cure, early intervention, and treatment can greatly improve one’s quality of life.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms, be sure to talk to a medical professional to rule out any underlying health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.