Alzheimer’s Disease Signs and Symptoms

Memory problems are usually one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s, but troubles with memory are not always indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. Many signs and symptoms, as well as their level of severity, can vary from person to person. Additionally, there are symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease that can be caused by other health problems. And some signs are simply the result of normal aging.

Designated Centers of Excellence by the National Institutes of Health, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and Banner Sun Health Research Institute are home to the finest dementia specialists. Their ongoing efforts to discover new ways to detect and diagnose Alzheimer’s disease are transforming the medical landscape, as early diagnosis offers access to more treatment and care opportunities to aid in the possibility of extending, or even preserving, cognitive function.

What Is Considered Normal Aging?

Much like our bodies, our brains change as we get older. But what constitutes normal age-related change? Slight changes in cognitive function that are a normal part of aging include difficulties with:

• Processing information quickly
• Paying attention
• Retaining information
• Multitasking
• Finding the correct words to convey a thought
• Remembering names or dates
• Recalling where items have been placed

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

While some changes to cognitive function are normal, Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. The complex brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s begin years before the symptoms appear. Make an appointment with a doctor today if you or a loved one are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Memory loss: Trouble remembering newly-learned information or recent events. 
2. Routine tasks: Difficulty performing everyday activities, such as taking medications and doing household chores.
3. Language and speaking: Trouble speaking, finding simple words or frequently substituting unusual words.
4. Time and place orientation: Getting lost, wandering in normally familiar places or forgetting the time or the day of the week.
5. Judgment: Poor or diminished judgment, such as buying unnecessary items, giving away money or making questionable decisions that are inconsistent with past behavior.
6. Abstract thinking: Having difficulty with complex mental tasks, such as planning and organizing, as well as forgetting how to use familiar items.
7. Misplacing things: Placing items in unusual places, such as putting car keys in the freezer.
8. Mood or behavior: Experiencing a change in mood or behavior, such as feeling depressed, anxious, irritable or becoming angry easily.
9. Personality changes: Becoming confused, fearful, suspicious, self-absorbed or dependent.
10. Initiative or interest: Losing interest in normal activities, sleeping for extended periods of time or watching TV more during the day.

Our expert dementia specialists are leaders in their fields and continue to provide the best care and quality of life for those with the disease. If you are concerned about the signs and symptoms you or your loved one is experiencing, make an appointment with a doctor today.