Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease often involve subtle changes in memory, thinking, and behavior that gradually worsen over time. Recognizing these symptoms early can lead to earlier diagnosis, treatment, and planning.
🧠 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease:
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
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Frequently forgetting recent events, names, or appointments
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Repeatedly asking the same questions
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
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Struggling to follow a recipe or pay monthly bills
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Trouble concentrating or working with numbers
3. Challenges Completing Familiar Tasks
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Getting confused while driving to familiar places
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Difficulty managing a routine task like laundry or grocery shopping
4. Confusion with Time or Place
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Losing track of dates, seasons, or where they are
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Forgetting how they got somewhere
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
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Problems judging distances or reading
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Difficulty recognizing faces or objects
6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing
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Trouble finding the right word
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Repeating themselves
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Calling things by the wrong name (e.g., “watch” instead of “clock”)
7. Misplacing Items and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
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Putting things in unusual places (e.g., keys in the freezer)
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Accusing others of stealing
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
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Giving away large amounts of money
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Falling for scams or neglecting hygiene
9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
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Avoiding conversations, hobbies, or gatherings due to embarrassment or confusion
10. Changes in Mood and Personality
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Becoming easily confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious
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Unusual anger or mood swings
🚩Important Note:
Some memory lapses are normal with age. But when these changes affect daily life, it's time to consult a healthcare provider for cognitive screening.