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Memory Loss that disrupts daily life: One
of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially
forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting
important dates or events; asking for the same information over and
over; relying on memory aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic
devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What's typical? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but
remembering them later.
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Challenges in planning or solving problems:
Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and
follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a
familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have
difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did
before.
What's typical? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
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Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home,
at work or at leisure: People with Alzheimer's often
find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble
driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering
the rules of a favorite game.
What's typical? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a
microwave or to record a television show.
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Confusion with time or place:
People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage
of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not
happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how
they got there.
What's typical? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring
it out later.
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Trouble understanding visual images and spatial
relationships: For some people, having vision problems
is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging
distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they
may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not
realize they are the person in the mirror.
What's typical? Vision changes related to cataracts.
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New problems with words in speaking or writing:
People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a
conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no
idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle
with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by
the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
What's typical? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
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Misplacing things and losing the ability to
retrace steps: A person with Alzheimer's disease may
put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go
back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse
others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
What's typical? Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of
glasses or the remote control.
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Decreased or poor judgment: People
with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making.
For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving
large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming
or keeping themselves clean.
What's typical? Making a bad decision once in a while.
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Withdrawal from work or social activities:
A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves
from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have
trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to
complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of
the changes they have experienced.
What's typical? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social
obligations.
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Changes in mood and personality:
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They
can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may
be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they
are out of their comfort zone.
What's typical? Developing very specific ways of doing things and
becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
