10 Early Signs And Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Being mildly forgetful can be normal for people over a certain age and is nothing to be worried about. But if it is bothering you with your everyday life, it might be an early sign of dementia or a symptom of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is one of many neurodegenerative diseases that affect the brain and can cause memory loss and loss of vital skills like thinking and reasoning.

The brain cells that are responsible for memory might die from old age and cause memory loss.

Alzheimer’s shows early warning symptoms, and it is important to identify them before they lead to significant cognitive decline.

Before we move down to check the list of 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, let’s first understand the following:

How early does Alzheimer’s start?

Alzheimer’s disease is a memory disorder that affects people of all ages but typically starts in middle-aged adults.

Early onset Alzheimer’s disease is a form of the condition that develops before the age of 65.

While memory loss is the most commonly associated symptom of Alzheimer’s, the disease can also cause changes in mood and behavior and problems with language, reasoning, and judgment.

Early onset Alzheimer’s is often diagnosed after a family member or friend notices that the person is having memory problems. This can occur in your 30’s and 40’s.

However, memory loss is not always an early symptom of Alzheimer’s.

Some people may experience memory loss years before they are diagnosed with the disease.

If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss, it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating Alzheimer’s, but treatments available can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

The sooner Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.

Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s

While memory loss is the most commonly associated symptom of Alzheimer’s, the disease can also cause changes in mood and behavior and problems with language, reasoning, and judgment.

Here is a list of 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s:

1. Loss of memory

Many of us have occasional moments where we can’t remember where we left our keys or what we were just about to say.

But for some people, memory loss can be a much more serious problem.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, memory loss is one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

While research is still ongoing, scientists believe that Alzheimer’s may begin with changes in the structure of the brain years before any symptoms appear.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, people may experience mild memory loss and other cognitive changes.

As the disease progresses, these changes become more severe, eventually leading to complete loss of memory and other devastating effects.

2. Difficulty in solving problems or planning an event

You might find it difficult to work with numbers or follow a set plan.

You might also experience a drastic change in your ability to plan an event or follow through with a task.

You might face difficulty in even keeping track of the monthly bills.

If it is becoming difficult for you to concentrate on simple tasks, this could be a sign of Alzheimer’s.

3. Confusion about time and place

One of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease is often confusion about time and place.

A person with Alzheimer’s may have trouble understanding what day it is or where they are.

They may also lose track of the time, thinking it is still early morning when it is late afternoon.

This type of confusion can be very disorienting and can make everyday activities, such as getting dressed or making a meal, very challenging.

If you notice that a loved one is having difficulty keeping track of time or location, it is important to make an appointment with a doctor.

While there are other causes of memory loss, such as normal aging, this may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

4. Vision troubles

Some people who have Alzheimer’s often complain of troubles in their eyesight.

Troubled vision might pose problems with reading the daily newspaper or even with your balance.

You might find it difficult to judge distance or determine what color something is.

Vision troubles can also be related to cataracts, so it is a good idea to visit a doctor for an eye check-up to rule out cataracts.

5. Drastic mood swings

One of Alzheimer’s behavioral symptoms includes drastic changes in mood and conversations. Alzheimer’s often produces a lot of confusion along with anxiety and depression.

You might also feel suspicious about people around you, even if they are family members.

It sounds upsetting, but all these can be early signs of Alzheimer’s.

6. Problems with speaking

One of the most frustrating things about Alzheimer’s disease is how it can affect a person’s communication ability.

As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s may find it increasingly difficult to find the right words, to follow or carry on a conversation, or to remember the name of a familiar person or object.

This can be confusing and upsetting for both the person with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.

However, there are ways to help manage communication difficulties associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

For example, people with Alzheimer’s may benefit from having a clear routine for communication, such as setting aside specific times for conversation.

Additionally, it can be helpful to use short, simple sentences and avoid asking questions that require a long or complicated answer.

Understanding communication challenges in Alzheimer’s disease can help make conversations more enjoyable and successful for everyone involved.

7. Losing things and forgetting about them

We all misplace things from time to time. But if you keep misplacing things often and forget where you saved them, it could indicate a more serious problem.

If you put things in unusual places and forget all about them, it is time to visit a doctor. Do you accuse people of taking things often because you cannot find them?

8. Difficulty in making a judgment

Do you make mistakes about important things? For instance, do you give away things or money to random people even when they are strangers?

Would you have done such a thing normally? This is an issue you should discuss with your doctor.

9. Withdrawal from social life

Of late, are you feeling demotivated with people and work around you? Do you feel depressed often?

Do you dislike talking to people and socializing with others? Are you staying away from your hobbies?

Depression can cause something called pseudodementia, where you have signs of dementia, but it is the depression that is causing issues with memory and not dementia.

10. Daily tasks pose a challenge

Forgetfulness is a common occurrence as we age.

However, if you or a loved one are having difficulty with tasks that were once routine, it could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory, thinking, and behavior problems.

While forgetting where you left your keys may not be cause for concern, struggling to complete daily tasks such as grooming or cooking could signify something more serious.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will first have a consultation with you to determine what your baseline cognitive functioning is like.

The doctor can then decide if you have a serious memory issue.

Typically, you will fit into one of 3 categories, normal age-related memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia.

Age-related memory loss

Age-related memory loss is a common part of getting older. It can cause forgetfulness and difficulty remembering new information.

However, it is important to remember that this type of memory loss is not the same as dementia.

People can still live independently and care for themselves with age-related memory loss.

Age-related memory loss is normal and nothing to be concerned about unless it interferes with your daily life.

If this happens, it is important to talk to your doctor so they can rule out other causes of memory loss, such as dementia.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a milder form of cognitive decline than dementia.

It may cause problems with memory, language, and thinking.

MCI does not prevent people from living independently.

A diagnosis of MCI means that someone has milder symptoms of cognitive impairment than those with dementia.

The symptoms of MCI are not as severe as those of dementia and do not interfere with daily life.

MCI can be diagnosed with various tests, including neurological exams, neuropsychological tests, and brain imaging.

Doctors often use a combination of tests to make a diagnosis.

Some people with mild cognitive impairment will go on to develop dementia, but not all people with MCI will experience further cognitive decline.

There is no way to predict who will develop dementia and who will not.

How can I treat Alzheimer’s disease?

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments available can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, especially with mild Alzheimer’s disease.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is important to consult with a clinical research team to discuss treatment options.

Various medications and therapies can be used to manage Alzheimer’s symptoms, and the clinical research team will work with you to find the best possible treatment plan.

In addition, clinical research teams are constantly working to develop new treatments for Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders.

By participating in clinical trials, you can help contribute to developing new and potentially life-changing therapies.

How can I prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Though there is no certain way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, some risk factors have been identified that may help reduce your risk of developing the disease.

One of the main risk factors is age. Alzheimer’s disease is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65.

Other risk factors include family history, Down syndrome, and Lewy body dementia.

There are also some lifestyle choices that may help reduce your risk, such as eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, and challenging your mind with activities such as reading, writing, and puzzles.

How Prime MD Plus can help

Prime MD Plus is a medical clinic that offers treatment for memory loss.

The practice is run by a board-certified geriatrician, a doctor specializing in caring for the elderly and related issues.

The clinic offers a variety of services aimed at helping those with memory concerns, including Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s dementia.

Prime MD Plus can help by providing access to treatments and therapies that can improve memory and cognitive function.

The clinic also offers support and resources for caregivers, families, and patients.

By offering comprehensive care and support, Prime MD Plus can help those with memory loss live fuller, more productive lives.

Conclusion

Early detection of Alzheimer’s symptoms and signs and related memory disorders matters.

Get yourself checked at least once a year if you are over 65 years of age or if you have any memory concerns.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above in yourself or your loved ones, do not ignore them.

Early-stage cognitive impairment may lead to Alzheimer’s dementia.

Consult a specialized doctor for any kind of memory issues with Prime MD Plus, where you can connect with a board-certified geriatrician for memory loss treatment in Dallas-Fort Worth to help diagnose and manage any memory problems you may have.