10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Someone new develops Alzheimer’s every 65 seconds in America. It’s a startling statistic, but one that is only projected to increase in coming years. In addition, an estimated 5.8 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s, and of those, 5.6 million are people age 65 and older. This presents a difficult situation for families and caregivers who are not familiar with the signs to look for in their aging parents or loved ones. How can you stay ahead of the curve? First, keep in mind that typical age-related changes are normal for aging adults, like occasional forgetfulness (but remembering later), needing help with technology, memory recall, etc. Beyond normal aging behaviors, watch for these 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s: 1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure 4. Confusion with time or place 5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgment 9. Withdrawal from work or social activities 10. Changes in mood and personality Identifying Alzheimer’s early is vital to the long-term management of the disease. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, please consult with your doctor. Visit alz.org for more information.

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