Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are different from normal age-related changes. For example, sometimes forgetting why you walked into a room is a normal sign of aging. Not recognizing a room in your house may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

Is It Typical Aging or Alzheimer’s Disease?

The Alzheimer’s Association identifies 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. 

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

Typical Age-Related Change: Sometimes forgets names or appointments but remembers them later.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Need frequent reminders about the day's schedule. Asks the same questions over and over. Forgets family birthdays or children's names.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems

Typical Age-Related Change: Makes occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Has trouble following a familiar recipe or paying monthly bills.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

Typical Age-Related Change: Sometimes needs help with the microwave or recording a TV show.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Has trouble getting to a familiar location.

4. Confusion with time or place

Typical Age-Related Change: Gets confused about the day of the week but figures it out later.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Loses track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. Forgets where they are and how they got there. 

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

Typical Age-Related Change: Has vision changes due to cataracts.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Has difficulty with reading, judging distance, or colors.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

Typical Age-Related Change: Sometimes has trouble finding the right word.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Has trouble with familiar vocabulary (such as calling a "watch" a "hand clock"). Has difficulty joining or keeping up with a conversation.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

Typical Age-Related Change: Sometimes misplaces things and can retrace steps to find them.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Puts things in unusual places such as house keys in the refrigerator. Loses things and is unable to retrace steps to find them. May accuse others of stealing items they can't find.

8. Decreased or poor judgment

Typical Age-Related Change: Needs occasional help with the microwave or recording a TV show.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Displays poor judgement when handling money. Pays less attention to grooming or personal hygiene.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

Typical Age-Related Change: Sometimes needs a break from work, family or social obligations.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Withdraws from hobbies and activities that involve people. Has trouble following a favorite team.

10. Changes in mood and personality

Typical Age-Related Change: Becomes irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Sign of Alzheimer's: Shows extreme anxiety or anger with a change in routine. 

See the Signs? Start a Conversation

If you notice any of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in yourself or someone else, don’t ignore them. Start a conversation with your loved one.