Find Out: What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s to Look For?

Alzheimer’s is a serious condition, impairing the quality of life of many elders. Looking out for signs like memory loss and mood swings helps with early diagnosis and intervention, easing the severity of the disease. 

Almost 7 million Americans today live with Alzheimer’s, a disease that typically affects the elders of ages 65 and over. Alzheimer’s disease has a severe impact on the human brain, causing an inability to function properly and carry out daily tasks until it eventually leads to death. 

While this condition has no cure, recognizing the symptoms and being diagnosed early can slow down its progression over time thanks to emerging medical treatments. In addition to slowing the disease’s progression, early diagnosis will assist families and caregivers in making plans because the afflicted individuals will need to be cared for. 

What are the signs of Alzheimer’s to look out for? Let’s find out. 

Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a result of an unhealthy buildup of protein in the brain (amyloid plaques), causing neurons to detach from one another and die. This manifests itself in a number of symptoms, ranging from mild to advanced. Though symptoms may vary from person to person, there are common patterns that can be observed. 

Early signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s are evident from an early stage. Those affected usually experience memory loss, language difficulties, and mood swings, impairing their abilities to interact and be present.

Memory loss

Memory loss is one of the most prominent signs of the early stage, affecting the individual’s short-term memory. For instance, a person with Alzheimer’s may forget recently learned information or events. They may repeatedly ask the same question or forget about a conversation they had earlier in the day. 

Missing appointments, losing track of their personal belongings—like keys and eyeglasses—or forgetting to take medication are also common. Such memory loss interferes with everyday activities and causes frustration to both the patient and their loved ones. 

Language problems

People with Alzheimer’s often have difficulties with language, which can make communication challenging. Such problems include:

• Frequently pausing mid-sentence, searching for the correct word
• Using phrases like “that thing” or “you know” instead of specific words
• Struggling to keep up, especially in group discussions or long talks
• Saying the same word or idea multiple times

Difficulty in completing familiar tasks

Another sign that characterizes the early development stage of Alzheimer’s is difficulty in completing familiar tasks that once seemed easy. For people with Alzheimer’s, it can be difficult to manage finances or follow a recipe. Using common house appliances like a microwave or a washing machine can also be challenging.

Disorientation

Confusion about time and place is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals may lose track of dates, seasons, or even the passage of time. For example, someone might wake up in the evening and believe it’s morning, or they may be unsure whether it’s a weekday or weekend. 

6 in 10 people with Alzheimer’s experience episodes of wandering, sometimes failing to recognize their surroundings, even in places they have lived for years. This can lead to distress and safety concerns.

Changes in mood and personality

Alzheimer’s can cause significant changes in mood and behavior. Patients may become easily upset, frustrated, or irritable, especially when facing situations they can no longer manage. 

As memory and cognitive abilities decline, social activities can feel overwhelming, leading to withdrawal from friends and family. This emotional shift can be hard for both the individual and their loved ones, as it often feels like their personality is changing along with their cognitive abilities.

Moderate signs and symptoms

As the disease progresses, the symptoms worsen, increasing the need for attention. Now, the same symptoms that were hazy at first begin to become more noticeable.

Worsening memory loss

With Alzheimer’s slowly taking over the brain, an individual’s memory loss worsens. It becomes so evident that those affected may start forgetting the names of family members or friends, or even their own. Significant events that once weighed heavy on their memory start fading away. At this stage, people with Alzheimer’s require more care and attention.

Increased confusion

Struggling with time perception and spatial relationships is another moderate symptom. Changes in time may go unnoticed, leading to confusion about day and night. Visually, people with Alzheimer’s may have trouble judging distances or depth, making it harder to navigate stairs or reach for objects. For example, they might miss a step while walking or misjudge how far away something is, causing them to trip or bump into things.

Behavioral changes

Alzheimer’s can cause unusual behaviors, like suspicion and paranoia. Individuals may accuse loved ones of stealing or believe that people are trying to harm them. This happens because memory loss and confusion make it hard for them to understand reality, leading to false beliefs.

Many people with Alzheimer’s develop delusions and hallucinations and become very suspicious. For example, they may think someone is hiding important items or that strangers are entering their home without permission. These behaviors can create tension and fear for both the person and their caregivers.

Advanced signs and symptoms

Over time, Alzheimer’s will become so severe that it takes full control of those affected. Familiar faces turn into strangers, and doing the simplest of daily tasks becomes nearly impossible.

Severe cognitive decline

The latter stages of Alzheimer’s find most people unable to recognize their families and loved ones, as their faces and names fail to resurrect memories. They may find it difficult to put sentences together and comprehend what others are saying, which puts their ability to communicate at risk. Gradually, the conversation comes down to simple phrases or gestures.

This disconnect can be heartbreaking for loved ones. A husband or child might be greeted with nothing but confusion or fear, as the person suffering from Alzheimer’s no longer recognizes them. 

Loss of physical abilities

Simple activities like dressing, bathing, and eating can become difficult at a later stage. The impacted person may lose coordination, have trouble using utensils, or forget the steps. For instance, they may put clothes on backward, be unable to tie shoelaces, or need help using the bathroom. Eventually, tasks like walking or sitting down safely can become challenging, requiring constant assistance from caregivers to prevent falls or injuries.

Common Behavioral Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Individuals with Alzheimer’s often exhibit behavioral symptoms like aggression, agitation, paranoia, and mood swings. These changes can be challenging for caregivers, causing emotional stress and making daily care more difficult.

Aggression and agitation

People with Alzheimer’s disease often become easily agitated or angry due to confusion and difficulty with daily tasks. As cognitive decline progresses, understanding surroundings or following conversations becomes challenging, leading to frustration. Misplacing items or not recognizing familiar faces can also cause distress. 

Additionally, feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed by unfamiliar environments and routines may intensify their irritability, which can sometimes be directed toward loved ones or caregivers.

Sudden outbursts of anger or frustration

Several situations can trigger frustration or angry outbursts in individuals with Alzheimer’s. Changes in routine or being in a crowded or noisy place may overwhelm them, leading to agitation. Even being asked questions or reminded of things they’ve forgotten can trigger an angry response, especially if they feel confused or embarrassed. Therefore, it’s important to find a way to approach them gently and avoid triggering a negative response. 

Repetitive behaviors

People with Alzheimer’s often engage in repetitive actions, like asking the same question over and over. Short-term memory loss in particular is associated with this behavior. For example, someone might ask, “What time is it?” multiple times within minutes or repeatedly check if the door is locked. This repetition can be frustrating for caregivers, but it’s important to understand that the person isn’t doing it on purpose. They simply don’t remember the previous answers or actions.

Increased anxiety

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience heightened feelings of restlessness and discomfort, often due to confusion, anxiety, or a lack of understanding of their surroundings. They might pace around the house, fidget with objects, or try to move constantly, unable to sit still for long. Sometimes, discomfort may come from physical issues like pain or needing to use the bathroom, but they may be unable to express it. This can also increase during the evening, a condition known as “sundowning.”

Factors That Indicate Alzheimer’s Disease

Several factors can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s:

• Age: The risk increases significantly after age 65 and doubles approximately every five years.
• Genetics: Family history plays a role. If a parent or sibling has Alzheimer’s, the chances are higher due to genetic predispositions.
• Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of physical exercise, and mental inactivity can increase the risk. Keeping the brain and body active may help reduce it.
• Other Medical Conditions: Cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes are linked to a higher risk, as they can affect brain health.

Steps to Take If You Notice Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

If you suspect Alzheimer’s in yourself or a loved one, here’s actionable advice:

• Encourage Open Communication: Gently express your concerns. For example, say, “I’ve noticed some memory issues lately; maybe we should talk to a doctor together.”
• Seek Professional Help: Early intervention is key. Schedule a visit with a doctor or neurologist to get a proper assessment and discuss treatment options.
• Check Support Resources: Reach out to organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association, local support groups, or memory care centers for guidance, emotional support, and practical resources for managing the disease effectively. 
• Document Symptoms: Keep a journal of memory lapses, confusion, or unusual behavior. This can help doctors assess the situation more accurately.
• Plan for the Future: If Alzheimer’s is diagnosed, start discussing care plans, legal matters, and finances early, while the person can still participate in decision-making.

Conclusion

Recognizing early signs of Alzheimer’s and seeking help is vital for early intervention and better care. Stay informed about the disease, and offer support to those affected. Understanding the symptoms can make a significant difference in managing the challenges and providing comfort to loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s?

The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, particularly forgetting recent events or information.

How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?

Alzheimer’s is diagnosed through medical assessments, including cognitive tests, brain imaging, and sometimes blood tests to rule out other conditions.