10 Warning Signs

10

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only top 10 leading cause without a treatment, prevention or cure. As one of the most expensive diseases in the nation, it is a growing burden, with more Americans living with the disease, more family and friends serving as caregivers, and rising unsustainable costs.

So what is Alzheimer’s and why is it important to get an early diagnosis?

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Early diagnosis benefits may include access to treatment options, an opportunity to participate in clinical trials, a chance to prioritize your health, more time to plan for the future, cost savings and more.

There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor, visit alz.org or contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline

at 800.272.3900.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life - Forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems -

Changes in ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. Trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. Difficulty concentrating and taking much longer to do things than they did before.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks - Trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

4. Confusion with time or place - Lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. Have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes forget where they are or how they got there.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships - Having vision problems that may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading.

Problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

Trouble following or joining a conversation.

Stopping in the middle of a conversation with no idea how to continue or repeating themselves.

Struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to

retrace steps - Putting things in unusual places.

Losing things and unable to go back over steps to find them again. Accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.

8. Decreased or poor judgment - Changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, poor judgment when dealing with money or paying less attention to grooming or keeping clean.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

Changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. Trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.

10. Changes in mood and personality - Mood and personality changes. Become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. Easily upset at home, with friends or when out of one’s comfort zone.