Everyone who has a brain is at risk for dementia. Worldwide, 55 million people are living with dementia. Alzheimer’s dementia is the most common form of dementia; it is a degenerative brain conditions which is not a specific disease, but an overall term which describes a group of symptoms. More than 6 million Americans are living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. Statistically, 1 in 3 seniors succumb with Alzheimer’s, or another dementia. In 2023, dementia will cost the nation some $345 billion.
While your memory often changes as you grow older, memory that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging; it may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. There are 10 early warning signs and symptoms you should become familiar with. If you notice any of these, please schedule a visit with your physician for further evaluation.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life - One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s dementia, especially in the early stages, is forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, asking the same question over and over, and an increasing need to rely on memory aids, such as reminder notes, electronic devices or family members, for things you once handled independently.
What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
Challenges in planning or solving problems - Changes in your ability to develop and follow a plan, or work with numbers, such as following familiar recipes or keeping track of monthly bills. You may also find increasing difficulty with concentration and tasks taking a longer time to complete than before.
What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks - Persons with dementia may often find it hard to complete daily tasks, such as driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to record a TV show or operate/change the settings on a washing machine.
Confusion with time or place - You may find you are losing track of dates, seasons and passage of time; having increasing trouble understanding something if it is not happening currently or in the immediate future; and/or forgetting where you are or how you arrived there.
What’s a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships - For some, visual problems can be a sign of dementia. This may lead to difficulty with balance, trouble reading, problems with judging distance, and/or difficulty in interpreting color and contrast which can place you at increased risk for injuries or present issues with driving.
What’s a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.
New problems with words in speaking or writing - You may find you are having increased difficulty in following or joining a conversation; this may result in stopping in the middle of a conversation having no idea of how to continue, repeating yourself, struggling to find vocabulary to name a familiar object or using the wrong name for an object (e.g. calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”)
What’s typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps - Persons with dementia may put things in unusual places, lose things and be unable to trace back their steps to find misplaced items, and even accuse others of stealing their misplaced things, especially as the condition progresses.
What’s a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
Decreased or poor judgement - Individuals may develop changes in judgement or decision-making, such as paying less attention to grooming/hygiene.
What’s a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision or mistake once in a while, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.
Withdrawal from work or social activities - A person with dementia may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation, or have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity, resulting in withdrawal from hobbies, social activities of other engagements.
What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
Changes in mood or personality - You may find increasing mood and personality changes such as becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious, or even being easily upset at home, with friends or when out of your comfort zone.
What’s a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
EARLY DETECTION MATTERS! If you find one or more of the above signs in yourself or another person, it can be difficult to know what to do. It is natural to feel uncertain and guarded about discussing these changes with others. Personally, voicing your concerns about your own health makes them seem more “real”, but bringing these to others’ attention about what you have seen may not be received well. Keep in mind, these are serious health concerns that should be evaluated by a health care provider so action can be taken to slow progression and minimize potential risks. Why get checked?
WHAT’S NEXT? If you’re concerned that you or someone you know is displaying any of these signs, take action: Talk to someone you trust. It can be helpful to confide in a friend or family member. For tips on how to have a conversation, visit alz.org/memoryconcerns. See a doctor. Get a full medical evaluation to determine if it’s Alzheimer’s or something else. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to plan for the future, access support services and explore medication that may address some symptoms for a time. Visit alz.org/evaluatememory to learn what an evaluation may include. Get support and information. Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) or visit alz.org/10signs.
Here are some additional resources:
Alzheimer's Association - Alzheimer's and Dementia
NIH Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
Alzheimer's Association - How is Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosed?