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Symptoms of Alzheimers

As we age, it is normal to have some memory issues, but symptoms of Alzheimers disease are more than just small issues.  Alzheimers patients suffer difficulties communicating, learning, thinking and making decisions.  These symptoms of Alzheimers are typically serious enough to affect your job, family, or social life. 

Symptoms of Alzheimers

Presented here are ten common symptoms of Alzheimers, each with tips to recognize the difference between normal changes associated with aging, and important warning signs.  But first, note that there is no definitive cut-off between natural conditions and symptoms of Alzheimers.  If you are concerned, please see a doctor (or provide that advice to a family member or loved one). 

The first, and most common of the symptoms of Alzheimers, is memory loss.  While it is normal to occasionally forget names or dates, forgetting recently learned information is an important sign, and the frequency should be taken into account.

Next is a difficulty in performing familiar tasks.  Losing track of the steps involved in everyday activities (phone calls, cooking, etc.) is a warning sign; however, occasionally forgetting what you were going to say, or why you walked into a room is normal.

Following that, patients with symptoms of Alzheimers disease often forget simple words or have trouble with language.  Calling a spoon, “that thing for my mouth”, is a warning sign, but again, sometimes forgetting the right word is normal.

Becoming disoriented in familiar places, or getting easily lost is another warning sign.  Occasionally forgetting where you were going is normal. 

Bad decision making skills, like wearing too much on a hot day, or giving away too much money, can be one of the symptoms of Alzheimers.  Occasionally making a bad decision (aren’t we all guilty?) is normal.

Having problems with abstract thinking (like simple math) is a warning sign, but difficult tasks like balancing a check book are allowed to be challenging. 

Putting objects in unusual places like groceries in the dishwasher, or shoes in the freezer:  warning sign.  Loosing your keys temporarily:  normal.

Rapid, unexpected mood swings are a symptom, but occasionally feeling sad or angry is fine.

In addition, someone showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s may show extreme changes in personality, like becoming confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family

 

 

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