The Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

Known as the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease is associated with problems of severe memory loss, thinking, and behavior that interfere with a person’s everyday life. Alzheimer’s is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. It is a progressive disease that, as of now, has no cure.

According to 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, North Carolina is estimated to have over 170,00 seniors (65+) diagnosed with Alzheimer’s this year. Nearly one in every three seniors who dies each year has Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that, unfortunately, can only be diagnosed after it has caused significant damage to the brain. If detected early, it can be treated early, improving a person’s quality of life by moderating the symptoms that occur with the disease. Whether you’re an older adult concerned for your own health or that of a family member, or caregiver caring for older adult, it’s important you know the early signs of Alzheimer’s.

Here are 10 Common Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s:

1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure

4. Confusion with time or place

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

8. Decreased or poor judgment

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

10. Changes in mood and personality

If you have any of these signs or notice them in someone you know, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider about appropriate treatments.

Unsure if the changes you’re noticing are signs of Alzheimer’s or just typical age-related memory loss?

The Alzheimer’s Association provides this helpful side-by-side comparison:

Signs of Alzheimer's	Typical age-related changes
Poor judgment and decision making	Making a bad decision once in a while
Inability to manage a budget	Missing a monthly payment
Losing track of the date or the season	Forgetting which day it is and remembering later
Difficulty having a conversation	Sometimes forgetting which word to use
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them	Losing things from time to time

Other Alzheimer’s and Caregiver Resources:

Alzheimer’s AssociationAlzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)Alzheimer’s Foundation of AmericaAlzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver CenterNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)