7 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease That Warrant a Doctor’s Consultation
It’s crucial to understand that Alzheimer’s disease involves a decline from one’s previous level of functioning. The following signs are more concerning when they represent a change and interfere with daily life. If you notice these in yourself or a loved one, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. Many other treatable conditions (like vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, depression, or medication side effects) can mimic these symptoms.
Here are 7 early signs that should not be ignored:
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
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What it is: Forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, increasingly relying on memory aids (notes, electronic reminders) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
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What’s typical: Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.
2. Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems
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What it is: Changes in the ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. This may manifest as trouble following a familiar recipe, keeping track of monthly bills, or concentrating on complex tasks that require multiple steps (like planning a trip or managing finances).
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What’s typical: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.
3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
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What it is: Trouble completing routine tasks at home, at work, or during leisure activities. This could include forgetting the rules of a favorite game, getting lost while driving to a familiar location, or struggling to manage a budget they’ve handled for years.
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What’s typical: Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a TV show.
4. Confusion with Time or Place
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What it is: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. They may forget where they are or how they got there.
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What’s typical: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
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What it is: Vision problems can be a sign. This may lead to difficulty with balance, trouble reading, or problems judging distance and determining color or contrast. They may not recognize their own reflection.
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What’s typical: Vision changes related to cataracts or normal age-related macular degeneration.
6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
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What it is: Struggling with vocabulary. They may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue, or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle to find the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).
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What’s typical: Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
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What it is: Putting things in unusual places (e.g., putting car keys in the refrigerator). They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. As the disease progresses, they may accuse others of stealing, often with increasing frequency.
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What’s typical: Misplacing items from time to time but being able to retrace your steps to locate them.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs:
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Don’t Ignore or Dismiss Them. Early diagnosis allows for better management, access to treatments that may slow symptoms, and the opportunity to plan for the future.
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Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment. Start with a primary care physician. They will conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes medical history, physical and neurological exams, cognitive tests, and possibly blood tests and brain imaging to rule out other causes.
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Be a Supportive Companion. If you’re concerned about a loved one, approach the conversation with compassion and concern for their health, not accusation. Offer to go to the doctor with them.
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Focus on Overall Brain Health. While there is no surefire prevention, lifestyle factors like regular cardiovascular exercise, a Mediterranean-style diet, social engagement, quality sleep, and cognitive stimulation are associated with better brain health.
Important: This list is an educational guide, not a diagnostic tool. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease requires a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified professional. The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) is an excellent resource for more information and support.