What Is The First Signs Of Alzheimer's and Dementia

by Elizabeth SmithSeptember 4, 202410 minutes read

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. While it primarily affects older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. Identifying the early symptoms of Alzheimer's is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention, which can help manage the disease and improve the quality of life for those affected. In this blog post, we will explore the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, how they differ from normal aging, and why early detection is so important.

Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

One of the hallmark early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss, particularly the difficulty in remembering newly learned information. While everyone forgets things from time to time, memory loss associated with Alzheimer's is persistent and progressively worsens over time.

Example: An individual may forget important dates or events, ask for the same information repeatedly, or increasingly rely on memory aids (such as reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

Difference from Normal Aging: Occasional forgetting of names or appointments but remembering them later is a normal part of aging. In contrast, a person with Alzheimer's may forget recently learned information and not remember it later, even when prompted.

Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems

Individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer's may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They might have difficulty following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.

Example: Someone might start having trouble concentrating, taking much longer to do things than they did before. They may find it difficult to focus on tasks that require multiple steps, such as cooking a complex meal.

Difference from Normal Aging: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook or managing finances is typical with aging. However, consistently struggling to plan or solve problems that were once routine can be a sign of Alzheimer's.

Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks

A common early sign of Alzheimer's is difficulty completing everyday tasks. This can include trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

Example: A person might suddenly find it hard to do routine tasks that they have done for years, such as setting up a coffee maker or playing a card game they used to enjoy.

Difference from Normal Aging: Occasionally needing help with settings on a microwave or recording a TV show is normal. Regularly struggling with familiar tasks, however, may indicate an underlying problem.

Confusion with Time or Place

People with Alzheimer's often 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.

Example: An individual may become disoriented about where they are or how they arrived there. They might forget the day of the week or the date and become confused about the time of day.

Difference from Normal Aging: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later is typical with aging. Consistent confusion about time or place is more concerning.

Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

For some people, vision problems are a sign of Alzheimer's. This can lead to difficulty with balance, reading, and judging distance. They may also have problems determining color or contrast, which can cause issues with driving.

Example: A person with Alzheimer's might have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast, leading to problems with driving or other activities that require visual-spatial skills.

Difference from Normal Aging: Vision changes due to cataracts are common with aging. However, significant problems with spatial relationships and visual perception may signal Alzheimer's.

New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing

Individuals with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They might 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 trouble naming a familiar object, or use the wrong name.

Example: A person might call a watch a "hand clock" or have trouble finding the right word in a conversation. They may pause more frequently or struggle to keep up with the flow of conversation.

Difference from Normal Aging: Occasionally having trouble finding the right word is a normal age-related change. Persistent problems with vocabulary and conversation, on the other hand, may indicate Alzheimer's.

Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

A person with Alzheimer's may put things in unusual places. They may lose items and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.

Example: Someone might place a wallet in the refrigerator or lose their keys and be unable to retrace their steps to find them. Over time, this behavior can become more frequent and concerning.

Difference from Normal Aging: Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them is common as people age. However, placing items in unusual locations and being unable to find them again is more characteristic of Alzheimer's.

Decreased or Poor Judgment Individuals with Alzheimer's may experience

decreased or poor judgment, leading them to make decisions that are out of character or not well thought out. This symptom can manifest in various ways, from poor financial decisions to neglecting personal hygiene.

Example: A person might give large sums of money to telemarketers or charities they’ve never heard of, or they might neglect grooming and hygiene, wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather.

Difference from Normal Aging: Making a bad decision once in a while, such as forgetting to change the oil in the car, is normal. However, consistently displaying poor judgment, especially in critical areas like finances or personal care, may indicate Alzheimer's.

Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

People with early Alzheimer's might start to withdraw from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite hobby, following a sports team, or remembering how to complete a task at work. This withdrawal often stems from the difficulties they face in remembering, understanding, or completing tasks.

Example: Someone might stop attending a book club they’ve enjoyed for years or lose interest in hobbies they used to find enjoyable. They might also avoid social situations because they feel embarrassed or overwhelmed by the changes they’re experiencing.

Difference from Normal Aging: Sometimes feeling weary of work, family, and social obligations is normal, especially as one ages. However, a significant and consistent withdrawal from social activities and hobbies can be a sign of Alzheimer's.

Changes in Mood and Personality

The mood and personality of someone with Alzheimer's can change. They may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They might be easily upset at home, at work, with friends, or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

Example: A typically outgoing person might become unusually irritable or withdrawn. They might develop unfounded suspicions about friends, family, or caregivers, or they may become anxious when in unfamiliar environments.

Difference from Normal Aging: Developing specific ways of doing things and becoming irritated when a routine is disrupted is typical. However, significant personality changes, such as becoming overly suspicious or fearful, are more indicative of Alzheimer's.

Difficulty with Abstract Thinking

Abstract thinking, such as dealing with numbers or problem-solving, can become increasingly difficult for someone with Alzheimer's. This difficulty can make it hard for them to understand concepts that require deeper comprehension.

Example: A person might struggle to understand the concept of money or have difficulty balancing a checkbook. They may also have trouble following instructions that involve multiple steps, like assembling a new piece of furniture.

Difference from Normal Aging: Occasionally finding it challenging to solve complex problems is common as people age. However, consistent and pervasive difficulty with abstract thinking is more likely a symptom of Alzheimer's.

Repetition of Actions or Phrases

Repetition is another common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. A person may repeat actions, such as locking the door multiple times, or phrases, such as asking the same question over and over. This behavior is often driven by memory loss and a need for reassurance.

Example: Someone might repeatedly ask what time it is, despite being told several times within a short period. They might also engage in repetitive tasks, like folding the same piece of clothing repeatedly.

Difference from Normal Aging: While repeating questions occasionally is normal, frequent repetition of the same question or action in a short period may indicate a deeper issue.

Loss of Initiative

In the early stages of Alzheimer's, individuals may lose initiative or motivation. They might become passive, requiring prompts to participate in activities or engage with others. This can lead to a decline in social interaction and a decrease in activity levels.

Example: A person might spend hours watching television or sleeping rather than engaging in activities they once enjoyed. They might also need encouragement to participate in social events or physical activities.

Difference from Normal Aging: Sometimes feeling less motivated or needing a break from social or physical activities is normal. However, a significant and sustained loss of initiative can be a sign of Alzheimer's.

Problems with Speech and Writing

As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may experience more severe language problems, such as forgetting simple words or substituting incorrect words. This can make communication difficult and frustrating for both the person with Alzheimer's and those around them.

Example: Someone might struggle to name common objects or substitute a word with a vague description, like calling a watch a "hand clock." They might also find it challenging to follow a conversation or may repeat themselves.

Difference from Normal Aging: Occasionally forgetting a word or struggling to find the right word is normal. Persistent problems with language and communication are more indicative of Alzheimer's.

The Importance of Early Detection

Recognizing the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease is crucial for several reasons. Early detection allows for more effective management of the disease, including access to treatments that may slow its progression. It also provides an opportunity for individuals and their families to plan for the future, including making legal, financial, and care arrangements.

Early intervention can also help maintain a higher quality of life for a longer period. With the right support, individuals with Alzheimer's can continue to engage in meaningful activities and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

What are some of the key steps families can take after noticing the first signs of dementia in a loved one?

After noticing the initial signs of dementia in a loved one, families should seek a comprehensive medical evaluation to obtain an accurate diagnosis. They should also research community resources and support services, educate themselves about the disease, and begin planning for the individual's future care needs. Establishing a support network, making necessary home modifications, and exploring treatment options are all crucial steps to take in the early stages of dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is a complex and challenging condition, but recognizing the early symptoms can make a significant difference in how the disease is managed. Memory loss, difficulty with familiar tasks, confusion, and changes in mood or personality are just a few of the signs that may indicate the onset of Alzheimer's.

While it can be frightening to confront these symptoms, early detection and intervention offer the best chance for maintaining a good quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek help. With the right care and support, it's possible to navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and continue to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.