As we age, mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of life. However, when memory problems begin to seriously affect daily life, they could be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that causes progressive deterioration of memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
Did you know? Dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms that affect daily life and activities, including impaired thinking and memory loss. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Alzheimer’s disease may contribute to 60–70% of dementia cases.
Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, and it can affect people differently. Although memory loss is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s, there are other early warning signs that can be a sign of cognitive impairment associated with some form of dementia. Here are some of them:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- For example: Asking the same questions or repeating the same story over and over again.
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- For example: Difficulty concentrating on detailed tasks, especially involving numbers; such as keeping track of bills and balancing a checkbook.
- Forgetting how to do familiar tasks
- For example: Forgetting how to do activities that were previously routine, such as cooking, making repairs, or playing cards.
- Confusion with dates, times or place
- For example: Distorted perception of dates, time or place. Becoming disoriented or feeling lost in familiar places.
- Trouble with spatial relationships
- For example: Difficulty reading words on a page, judging distances, and telling colors apart.
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
- For example: Trouble finding the right word or calling things by the wrong name. Conversations can be a struggle and difficult to follow.
- Misplacing objects and the inability to retrace steps
- For example: Finding objects in unusual places, like a watch in the refrigerator. Misplacing things and inability to retrace steps; accusing people of taking things.
- Altered decision-making; poor judgment or relying on someone else, such as a spouse to make decisions or answer questions
- For example: Making poor decisions, such as giving away money inappropriately. Less attention to grooming.
- Withdrawal from work or social situations; difficulty initiating activities and participating in social interactions
- For example: Watching television or sleeping more; lacking motivation. Scaling back on work projects or becoming less involved in favorite hobbies.
- Mood swings and changes in personality
- For example: Getting upset more easily, feeling depressed, scared or anxious. Being suspicious of people.
If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, don’t ignore them. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and get a comprehensive evaluation. Alzheimer’s Orange County can provide free memory screenings to help identify changes in memory and can also provide guidance on next steps. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Remember, there’s no shame in seeking support or asking questions. Don’t wait for a crisis to take action.
For any additional questions or concerns, contact Alzheimer’s Orange County at: 844-373-4400 or click here to learn more about our Memory Support Services.
Related Information
Mind Checks
Mind Check memory screenings are a wellness tool that helps identify possible changes in cognition and thinking in a “first-step” approach. Schedule here.
Memory University
Figure out what steps to take after getting a diagnosis and create connections with others in this group course taught by subject matter experts. Learn more.
Dementia & Brain Health Education
Sign up for one of our upcoming classes at no cost to learn more about dementia, living a healthy-brain lifestyle and how to make your caregiving experience better. View calendar.
