Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Signs of Memory Impairments

As the number of people age 62 and up increases over the next several years, the amount of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and memory issues is also expected to increase, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

There are treatments available that can slow some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and help improve your loved one’s overall quality of life. This is why it’s so important to recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s so treatment and support can begin as soon as possible.

Here are a few of the early signs of memory impairment:

• Memory loss: Forgetting important dates, events or information they recently learned. Relying on you to help them remember appointments or errands.
• Performing everyday tasks becomes difficult: Daily activities like cooking, balancing a checkbook or driving to familiar locations start to become difficult or confusing.
• Exhibiting poor judgment: Changes in judgment or financial decisions, not paying attention to grooming and hygiene as they once did.
• Changes in personality or mood: Not acting normally, suddenly anxious, fearful, depressed or experiencing severe mood swings.
• Being confused with time and/or place: Forgetting how they arrived from point A to point B becomes common. Confused or questioning what day or month it is.
• Solving problems becomes challenging: Repeatedly missing bill payments, having difficulty following plans, directions or making a schedule.
• Trouble communicating: Struggling with vocabulary and not able to express their thoughts. Calling objects or people by the wrong name.
•  Withdrawing socially: Withdrawing from activities, hobbies or social functions they once enjoyed. Difficulties playing a favorite card game or finishing a project.

Don’t ignore these Alzheimer’s warning signs; the sooner you seek medical attention, the better quality of life your loved one will enjoy.