- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss and forgetting recently learned information. Individuals begin to forget important dates, ask for the same information more than once, and need reminders for events and appointments.
- Challenges in planning or solving problems
Individuals may develop struggles in their ability to follow a plan or work with numbers. Activities that could create difficulty include following a recipe or paying bills.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks.
People with Alzheimer’s struggle to remember daily functions such as driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules to a favorite game.
- Confusion with time or place
Individuals with Alzheimer’s may suffer from being able to understand dates, seasons and the passage of time. Occasionally they will forget where they are or how they got there.
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Victims of Alzheimer’s struggle with vision, judging distance and determining color or contrast. They may see themselves in a mirror and think someone else is in the room.
- New problems with words in speaking or writing
Individuals may struggle with their vocabulary and find it difficult to start or join in a conversation. Victims may also stop in the middle of a conversation with no idea how to continue and they may repeat themselves.
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person suffering from Alzheimer’s may misplace items, put them in unusual places, and be unable to retrace their steps to find the item. Occasionally, they will accuse others of stealing items they have misplaced.
- Decreased or poor judgment
A victim of Alzheimer’s may make poor decisions with money and pay less attention to their appearance.
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
The changes a person with Alzheimer’s is experiencing may cause them to withdraw themselves from hobbies, social activities, work or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a sports team or remembering how to complete a hobby.
- Changes in mood and personality
Mood swings and personality changes may occur in people with Alzheimer’s. They may become depressed, anxious, confused, suspicious, and fearful. They may become upset at home or in places they feel uncomfortable.
(From www.alz.org)
