Resolve to know the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million Americans, signaling its arrival with known symptoms for the neurodegenerative brain disease. To improve outcomes, the Alzheimer’s Association urges anyone suspecting cognitive decline in themselves or in a loved one to learn the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and to get a medical diagnosis.

Learn the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease
Start the new year by ending speculation about memory loss. Determine if any of these 10 symptoms could be signs of Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia by consulting a physician:

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. A common sign of Alzheimer’s is forgetting recently learned information, important dates or asking the same question repeatedly. Relying on other people or things as prompts is also an indication that something has changed.

What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning, solving problems or concentrating. Trouble following familiar recipes or paying monthly bills indicate confusion.

What's a typical age-related change?
Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble 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 use microwave settings or to record a TV show.

4. Confusion with time or place. Losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time are signs of cognitive decline.

What's a typical age-related change?
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. Problems judging distance and determining color or contrast that cause issues with driving are also symptoms.

What's a typical age-related change?
Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words, speaking or writing. People living with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").

What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person living with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.

What's a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.

8. Poor judgment. Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

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.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.

What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality. Individuals living with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.

What's a typical age-related change?
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.
If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's in yourself or someone you know, don't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.

About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. The Association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.