If you mean “7 early signs of Alzheimer’s disease that you should not ignore,” these are some of the most important changes to watch for. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, and early symptoms can involve more than memory.
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Alzheimer’s Association
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7 early warning signs
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Frequently forgetting recently learned information, repeating the same questions, or increasingly relying on reminders.
Difficulty planning or solving problems
Trouble following a familiar recipe, managing bills, handling numbers, or completing tasks that used to be routine.
Difficulty completing familiar activities
Getting confused about how to perform a familiar task, navigate to a known place, or use something previously well understood.
Problems finding or using words
Increasing difficulty following conversations, naming familiar objects, or finding the right words.
Getting confused about time or place
Losing track of dates, seasons, where they are, or how they arrived somewhere.
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
Putting objects in unusual places and being unable to work backward to find them.
Changes in judgment, personality, or social behavior
Uncharacteristically poor decisions, withdrawing from hobbies or social activities, or becoming unusually suspicious, anxious, fearful, or irritable.
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Alzheimer’s Association
What’s the difference from normal aging?
Occasionally forgetting a name or appointment and remembering it later can happen with normal aging. Repeated problems that interfere with everyday independence are more concerning.
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Alzheimer’s Association
These signs do not prove that someone has Alzheimer’s. Depression, medication effects, sleep problems, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, and other medical conditions can also cause cognitive changes. A healthcare professional can investigate the cause.
If you notice persistent or worsening changes in yourself or someone close to you, arrange a medical evaluation rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe. Early diagnosis can provide access to appropriate treatment and more time for planning.
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Alzheimer’s Association
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