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Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that affects an individual’s memory, thinking, and problem-solving abilities. It is the most common form of dementia, and it usually occurs in those over 65. The CDC estimated roughly 5.8 million Americans were affected by Alzheimer’s in 2020.¹

Alzheimer’s occurs when the brain begins to change and brain cells shrink and die. Over time, Alzheimer’s will change the brain and the affected individual may no longer be able to remember people, places, events, and conversations they had.²

Alzheimer’s affects people differently, and some people may not know that they have it until a diagnosis. Here are 12 Signs of Alzheimer’s disease that can help you assess if your loved one might be experiencing Alzheimer’s.

Memory Loss

Does your loved one forget important people, dates, items, and events? Memory loss is one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s. If your loved one relies on people, notes, or devices to keep track of the information they should know, this is one of the earliest Alzheimer’s warning signs.

Repetitive Questions and Statements

Does your loved one ask the same questions over and over again? Or perhaps they make the same comment about how they like your shirt every hour. Many people with Alzheimer’s are incapable of remembering a conversation you recently had. If your loved one asks repetitive questions or repeats the same statements, they might have Alzheimer’s.

Change in Judgment

If your loved one no longer makes sound decisions – such as wearing the wrong clothing for the weather – they might have Alzheimer’s. People with Alzheimer’s often make decisions with poor judgment that affect their overall life. Changes in judgment is also one of the early signs of Alzheimer's.

Issues with Problem-solving or Planning

If your loved one is incapable of being able to problem-solve or plan, then they may have Alzheimer’s. People with Alzheimer’s cannot remember something important such as an appointment.

Problems with Day-to-Day Tasks

Does your loved one take longer to get ready in the morning? Or maybe they need help remembering how to cook their favorite recipe. People with Alzheimer’s take longer to complete mundane tasks that they are used to performing each day.

Inability to Remember Time or Place

Another sign of Alzheimer’s is the inability to remember time or place. Someone with Alzheimer’s won’t know where they are and will often feel lost, even if it is a familiar place they’ve been to before. They may also wander and find themselves somewhere where they should not be.

Trouble with Spatial Relations and Visual Images

If your loved one has issues with depth perception and color, they might have Alzheimer’s. Balance trouble, inability to judge distance, inability to drive, and difficulty reading all may be signs of Alzheimer’s.

Losing Items

If your loved one frequently misplaces or loses items, there is a chance they have Alzheimer’s. People who can’t remember that their wallet is in their purse or accidentally put their coat in the pantry instead of the coat rack might have Alzheimer’s.

Trouble with Numbers

People with Alzheimer’s are unable to think in numbers. They will often forget to pay bills, have issues balancing checkbooks, and may forget to do their taxes.

Personality Changes

Individuals affected by Alzheimer’s may have a change in personality as their brain changes. They may be more aggressive, withdraw from social situations, experience frequent mood swings, and distrust people around them. If you feel your loved one is changing into someone you don’t know, they might have Alzheimer’s.

Difficulty Concentrating

It can be challenging for people with Alzheimer’s to concentrate for long periods of time, whether it’s on a task or a conversation. Those with Alzheimer’s may also have difficulty learning new things. If your loved one has a short attention span, they might have Alzheimer’s.

Problems with Reading or Writing

If your loved one can’t remember the definition of common vocabulary words, that could be one of the early signs of Alzheimer's. Alzheimer’s also makes it difficult for someone to write down their thoughts or concentrate on words.

Do you Think Your Loved One Has Alzheimer’s?

If your loved one shows that they have some Alzheimer’s warning signs, it might be time to take them to a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. The earlier you can detect Alzheimer’s, the sooner your loved one can receive proper care and medications that can help them maintain their independence for longer.

Saber Healthcare & Memory Care

We know that it can be difficult to learn that your loved one has Alzheimer’s. While there is no cure, you can take steps to help your loved one live their life to the fullest.

Here at Saber Healthcare, we have a memory care program to help our residents and their families learn how to cope with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Our professionals will be able to provide your family the support you need to understand dementia and how your loved one will progress. Our person-centered approach can help your loved one live a happy, productive life as they adjust to their new medical condition.

Click here to learn more about the memory care Saber Healthcare provides today.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

1. “Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 26 October 2020. Accessed 2 September 2022. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm
2. “Alzheimer’s Disease.” Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 19 February 2022. Accessed 2 September 2022. Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350447