Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Twenty years ago, few Americans had even heard of Alzheimer’s disease.  However, this is quickly becoming the most devastating illness we face as we age.   At this time, there is no known cure and no one really knows what causes Alzheimer’s.  It is progressive.  It is insidious.  Any resemblance of the person who has it is slowly erased.  Former First Lady Nancy Reagan called Alzheimer’s “the long goodbye”.  She watched her husband, former President Ronald Reagan quietly slip away.  But it took ten long years as he slowly disappeared.

But there are a few glimpses of hope.  The sooner a person is diagnosed the sooner they can be treated.  Although there is no cure, several medications have been approved which help slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s in many patients.  There are ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s that you should know:

1. Memory loss.

One of the most common early signs of dementia is forgetting recently learned information.  A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall information later.  As the disease progresses, they may have problems recognizing family and close friends.

What’s normal?  It’s normal to forget names and appointments occasionally.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks

People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks.  Individuals may lose track of the steps to prepare a meal, place a telephone call or play a game.

What’s normal?  Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say is normal.

3. Problems with language

People with Alzheimer’s disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words.  This makes their speech or writing hard to understand.  They may be unable to find their toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for “that thing for my mouth.”

What’s normal?  Sometimes having trouble finding the right word is normal.

4. Disorientation to time and place

People with Alzheimer’s disease can become lost in their own neighborhoods.  They may forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.  Did you watch the movie, “On Golden Pond”?  It is a clear example of becoming lost and confused, even in a familiar location.

What’s normal?  Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going is normal as we age.

5. Poor or decreased judgment

Those with Alzheimer’s may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold.  They may show poor judgement about money, like giving away large sums to telemarketers.  They are often the victim of scams.

What’s normal?  Making a questionable or debatable decision from time to time.

6. Problems with abstract thinking

Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks.  They may forget what numbers are and how they should be used.  They will begin to lose the ability to read as the disease progresses.

What’s normal?  Finding it challenging to balance a checkbook.

7. Misplacing things

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places:  an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.  Several years ago, I read a newspaper article about a woman who began hiding her cookware under the bed.  Her husband noticed things were beginning to disappear.  Intrigued, he followed her and found her “stash”.

What’s normal?  Misplacing keys or a wallet temporarily.

8.Changes in mood or behavior

Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may show rapid mood swings – from calm to tears to anger – for no apparent reason.

What’s normal?  Occasionally feeling sad or moody.

9. Changes in personality

The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically.  They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.  Someone who has always been kind may suddenly become combative or easily frustrated or angry.  The same is true in the reverse – a combative person may become docile.

What’s normal?  People’s personalities do change somewhat with age, but usually not to the extreme.

10. Loss of initiative

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours.  They may sleep more than usual or not want to do usual activities.

What’s normal?  Sometimes feeling weary of work or social obligations is normal.

More information about Alzheimer’s

There is no blood test or anything similar that will confirm a person has Alzheimer’s.  The first step in determining if a person has Alzheimer’s is to consult with a doctor who specializes in geriatric care.  The doctor will visit with the patient and ask questions about their life.  Some examples might be about their parents, children, siblings, etc.  Adding two or more numbers in their head or making change when pretending to buy something.  The patient’s ability to answer those questions will help determine if Alzheimer’s is suspected or not.  Each time the patient visits the doctor, he will compare to the last visit to determine if there is evidence of progression of the disease.

If you suspect someone close to you has Alzheimer’s, begin researching NOW.

For more information about Alzheimer’s, please log in to this website https://www.alz.org  Each state and larger metropolitan areas have their own chapters of the Alzheimer’s organization.  The source of much of the information in this article is from:  “Living With Alzheimer’s – A Resource Guide for Families and Caregivers” produced by the Alzheimer’s Association Mississippi Chapter.

You may also find useful information in this related article Do You Have an Aging Parent? 

Does someone in your family have Alzheimer’s?  Has this disease affected your family or your friends?  Please leave me a comment below.