For more than 20 years, the Alzheimer's Associationhas provided reliable information, created supportive programs and services for families, increased resources for dementia research, and influenced changes in public policy.

TEN WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE (AD)

Reprinted with permission of the Alzheimer's Association

Some change in memory is normal as we age, but symptoms of AD are more than lapses in memory. People experience increasing difficulties communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning—problems severe enough to have an impact on work, social activities and daily life. If you recognize any of these in yourself or a loved one, don't wait until it gets worse—consult a dementia specialist immediately. Early diagnosis is the first step to getting appropriate treatment to slow the progression of the disease and to obtaining the best care and support.

1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life. One of the most common signs of AD, especially early, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking the same information over and over; relying on memory aides (reminder notes/electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. (Typical: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.)

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. (Typical: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.)

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. People with AD often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. (Typical: Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.)

4. Confusion with time or place. People with AD can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. (Typical: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.)

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of AD. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not recognize their own reflection. (Typical: Vision changes related to cataracts.)

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with AD 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 with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name like calling a "watch" a "hand-clock". (Typical: Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.)

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with AD may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. (Typical: Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.)

8. Decreased or poor judgment. People with AD may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. (Typical: Making a bad decision once in a while.)

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with AD may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. (Typical: Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.)

10. Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with AD can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. (Typical: Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.)

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