According to the Alzheimer’s Association, if you observe any of the 10 warning signs of dementia discussed below, you should contact your doctor. You should consider doing so because:
Those symptoms may be a sign of a condition similar to dementia that could potentially be reversed if treated. There are many benefits of early detection of dementia.
This article explores the signs of Alzheimer’s disease to look out for. It also examines the difference between this type of dementia and typical age-related changes.
Difficulty remembering recent events or informationIncreased need for written notes to recall informationIncreased reliance on family membersRepeated requests for the same information
What it’s not: Occasionally forgetting something like where you placed the car keys.
While memory loss may be what comes to mind when thinking of Alzheimer’s disease, there are other signs to look out for as well.
Examples include no longer following a favorite sports team, not wanting to spend time with treasured grandchildren, giving up a favorite hobby, and skipping get-togethers with good friends.
What it’s not: Needing a longer break between activities or sometimes feeling overwhelmed.
Not knowing what season or year it isNot knowing your locationNot understanding why you’re in a certain location
As Alzheimer’s progresses, some may believe they are younger than they really are because of an unawareness of time passing.
What it’s not: Wondering what the date is and checking the calendar.
Difficulty judging distances correctlyHaving a hard time recognizing familiar faces or objectsFinding it challenging to interpret images
Activities like using the stairs, climbing into a bathtub, finding your way home, or reading a book may become more difficult.
What it’s not: Gradual vision loss due to macular degeneration or cataracts.
Finding it hard to come up with the right wordDifficulty writing your thoughts down clearlyFinding it difficult to understand othersHaving a hard time expressing yourself
What it’s not: Occasional difficulty finding the right word.
Difficulty balancing your checkbook and getting the bills paid on timeFinding cooking recipes hard to follow even if you’ve made them beforeTaking longer to make coffee in the morning
If you notice these changes in yourself or someone you love, contact your physician for an assessment.
What it’s not: One or two mistakes in your math calculations.
A shift in mood and behavior over the last several months is a warning sign that the brain may be going through some changes. If this is the case, consider getting an evaluation for dementia.
What it’s not: Becoming a little more set in your ways and disliking change.
What it’s not: Losing your keys and later remembering you set them down on the piano.
Repeatedly getting tricked by phone scams and giving money awayNot dressing appropriately for the weatherDriving in an unsafe way
What it’s not: The occasional questionable decision.
It’s important to recognize that this doesn’t refer to learning something new. Instead, this is a change in the ability to do something you’ve always been able to do until now.
What it’s not: Difficulty using the new television remote control.
If you think you or a loved one are showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to speak with a doctor.
