Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people around the world and is one of the most common causes of memory loss and cognitive decline. It’s a progressive condition, which means it starts off slowly and gets worse over time. Catching Alzheimer’s early is very important because it allows people to start treatment sooner and plan for the future. But early signs of Alzheimer’s can be subtle, so it’s easy to overlook them or mistake them for normal aging.
Knowing what to look for can help families and individuals recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s and seek medical help early on. Here’s a look at the common early symptoms and what they might mean.
■ Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Memory loss is often the first and most noticeable sign of Alzheimer’s disease. While it’s normal to forget things occasionally, the kind of memory problems seen in Alzheimer’s go beyond what’s normal. People may struggle to remember recent conversations or events, ask the same questions repeatedly, or forget important dates.
- What It Looks Like: A person might keep asking, “What time is my doctor’s appointment again?” even though they were just reminded. They may also start relying more on notes or family members to remember things they used to handle on their own.
- What to Do: If you notice these patterns in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to keep track of them and talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis can make a big difference.
■ Difficulty Solving Problems or Planning
People with Alzheimer’s may find it harder to make plans or solve simple problems. For example, tasks that used to be easy, like following a recipe, balancing a checkbook, or managing bills, can become challenging. This happens because Alzheimer’s affects the brain’s ability to process information and follow steps.
- What It Looks Like: Someone who always cooked meals using the same recipes may start to mix up ingredients or forget steps. They might also struggle with numbers, making it hard to keep track of monthly bills or spending.
- What to Do: If these problems are new and happen more often, it’s worth looking into. Writing down changes and sharing them with a doctor can help identify early signs of Alzheimer’s.
■ Confusion with Time or Place
People with early Alzheimer’s may lose track of time or be confused about where they are. This goes beyond just forgetting the day of the week. For example, they might forget where they are, how they got there, or why they’re there. They may also have trouble keeping track of dates, seasons, or events.
- What It Looks Like: A person might get lost in a familiar neighborhood or become confused about how they got somewhere. They might also forget that it’s winter and go outside dressed for summer weather.
- What to Do: If you notice these kinds of changes, it’s a good idea to mention them to a healthcare professional. Getting lost in familiar places is a serious sign that shouldn’t be ignored.
■ Misplacing Items and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
It’s normal to misplace things every now and then, but people with Alzheimer’s often put things in unusual places and can’t retrace their steps to find them. For example, they might place their keys in the refrigerator or put their wallet in the bathroom cabinet. Over time, this can become more frequent and frustrating, leading to feelings of confusion or even suspicion.
- What It Looks Like: A person might misplace common items like glasses, keys, or remote controls, and accuse others of stealing because they can’t remember putting them in strange places.
- What to Do: If someone is frequently misplacing items and becoming suspicious or frustrated, it could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. Keeping a record of these behaviors can help doctors understand what’s happening.
■ Mood and Personality Changes
People with early Alzheimer’s can experience changes in mood and personality that seem out of character. They might become more anxious, depressed, or upset for no clear reason. They may also become easily frustrated, especially in unfamiliar situations, and may withdraw from social activities. These changes can make it hard for them to enjoy the things they once loved.
- What It Looks Like: A normally calm person may suddenly become very irritable or anxious. Someone who used to be very social might start avoiding friends and family, or seem less interested in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy.
- What to Do: Changes in mood or personality can be a sign of many health issues, so it’s important to see a doctor to rule out other causes. If the changes are due to Alzheimer’s, early intervention can help manage symptoms.
■ Why Early Diagnosis Matters
It can be hard to tell the difference between normal aging and early Alzheimer’s symptoms. Everyone forgets things from time to time, and it’s normal to have trouble finding the right word occasionally. But when these problems start affecting daily life, it’s time to get help.
An early diagnosis can help people plan for the future, explore treatment options, and make lifestyle changes that may help slow the disease’s progression. If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, don’t ignore them—talk to a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
■ Conclusion
Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s is the first step toward getting help. Memory loss, confusion, mood changes, and difficulty solving problems are some of the common symptoms to look for. If you or someone you know is showing these signs, talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis can provide more time to plan, get support, and explore treatment options that can improve quality of life.
