If you mean “7 early signs of Alzheimer’s disease that you should not ignore,” these are important changes to know. Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, but these symptoms can also have other causes, so they don’t by themselves establish a diagnosis.
7 early signs
Memory loss that affects daily life
Repeatedly forgetting recently learned information, conversations, or appointments, or asking the same questions repeatedly.
Difficulty planning or solving problems
Increasing trouble managing finances, following a familiar recipe, or handling routine tasks.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Problems with activities that were previously routine, such as using familiar appliances or navigating a familiar route.
Problems with words or conversation
Struggling to find familiar words, follow a conversation, or name common objects.
Confusion about time or place
Losing track of dates, seasons, where they are, or how they got somewhere.
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps
Putting belongings in unusual places and being unable to work backward to find them.
Changes in judgment, personality, or interests
Uncharacteristically poor decisions, withdrawal from hobbies or social activities, or unusual anxiety, suspicion, or irritability.
When should you get checked?
Occasionally forgetting a name or appointment can happen with normal aging. Repeated or progressively worsening problems that interfere with everyday independence deserve medical evaluation. Depression, medication effects, sleep problems, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, and other conditions can also cause cognitive symptoms.
If these changes are occurring in you or someone you care about, arrange an appointment with a healthcare professional. Early evaluation can identify treatable causes and, if Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, provide more opportunities for treatment and planning.
