The headline “7 EARLY SIGNS of ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE that you SHOULD…” is incomplete, but the likely topic is early symptoms. Importantly, one occasional memory lapse does not mean someone has Alzheimer’s. Early Alzheimer’s symptoms tend to interfere increasingly with everyday life. (National Institute on Aging)
7 early signs to watch for
- Memory problems that disrupt daily life
Frequently forgetting recently learned information, repeating questions, or relying increasingly on reminders. - Difficulty planning or solving problems
Trouble following a familiar recipe, managing finances, organizing tasks, or handling problems that were previously easy. - Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Getting confused while doing routine activities such as driving to a familiar place, cooking, or using familiar equipment. - Confusion about time or place
Losing track of dates, seasons, or locations, or becoming lost in a place that was previously familiar. - Problems finding words or following conversations
Increasing difficulty finding the right word, following a conversation, or understanding language can occur early in the disease. (National Institute on Aging) - Frequently misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
Putting objects in unusual locations and being unable to work backward to find them can be more concerning than simply occasionally losing something. - Changes in judgment, personality, or social behavior
Noticeably poorer decisions, unusual withdrawal, loss of initiative, anxiety, or other changes can occur as Alzheimer’s develops. (National Institute on Aging)
Normal aging vs. something worth checking
Occasionally forgetting a name or misplacing your keys can happen with normal aging. More concerning is a persistent or progressive change that interferes with everyday activities—for example, repeatedly missing bills, getting lost in familiar places, or being unable to follow a familiar routine. (National Institute on Aging)
Don’t assume it’s automatically Alzheimer’s
Memory and thinking problems can also result from medications, depression, sleep problems, infections, strokes, or other medical conditions, some of which may be treatable. Doctors can use medical history, cognitive testing, laboratory tests and sometimes brain imaging or other tests to determine the cause. (National Institute on Aging)
If you or a family member is experiencing noticeable, progressive changes in memory or thinking, it’s worth arranging a medical evaluation rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe. Early assessment can help identify potentially treatable causes and, when appropriate, allow earlier Alzheimer’s care and planning. (National Institute on Aging)
