Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or another dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in different degrees. If you notice any of them, please see a doctor.
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer'sTypical age-related memory loss and other changes compared to Alzheimer'sWhat to do if you notice these signsFor your doctor’s visit, 10 Warning Signs Checklist10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:
 | Memory loss that disrupts daily life |  |
 One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
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 | Challenges in planning or solving problems | |
 Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.What's a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook. | ||
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 | Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure | |
People with Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show. | ||
 | Confusion with time or place | |
 People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.What's a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later. | ||
 | Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships | |
For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.
What's a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts. | ||
 | New problems with words in speaking or writing | |
People 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 problems finding the right word or call things by 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. | ||
 | Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps | |
A person 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. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
What's a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them. | ||
 | Decreased or poor judgment | |
 People with Alzheimer's may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.What's a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while. | ||
 | Withdrawal from work or social activities | |
 A person with Alzheimer's may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations. | ||
 | Changes in mood and personality | |
 The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are 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. | ||
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Typical age-related memory loss and other changes compared to Alzheimer's
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 |
What to do if you notice these signs
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.
With early detection, you can:
Get the maximum benefit from available treatments – You can explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer. You may also increase your chances of participating in clinical drug trials that help advance research.
Learn more about treatments.
Learn more about clinical studies.
Learn more about treatments.
Learn more about clinical studies.
Have more time to plan for the future – A diagnosis of Alzheimer's allows you to take part in decisions about care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters. You can also participate in building the right care team and social support network.
Learn more about planning ahead.
Learn how to get a personalized action plan by using Alzheimer’s Navigator.
Learn more about planning ahead.
Learn how to get a personalized action plan by using Alzheimer’s Navigator.
Help for you and your loved ones – Care and support services are available, making it easier for you and your family to live the best life possible with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Learn how the Alzheimer's Association helps families.
Learn how the Alzheimer's Association helps families.
Additional information:
- Researchers seek paths to earlier diagnosis
Information on the scientific studies researchers are pursuing to earlier diagnosis - Video: Alzheimer’s Association Chief Medical and Scientific Office Dr. William Thies discusses the benefits of early detection
When you see your doctor
"It took my mother having a stress-related heart attack before we quit dismissing my father's progressing dementia to 'senior moments' and got him a proper diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Had we paid attention to the warning signs of this disease, a lot of prevention could have been in place."-Brent
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Your doctor will evaluate your overall health and identify any conditions that could affect how well your mind is working. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist such as a:
- Neurologist – specializes in diseases of the brain and nervous system
- Psychiatrist – specializes in disorders that affect mood or the way the mind works
- Psychologist – has special training in testing memory and other mental functions
- Geriatrician – specializes in the care of older adults and Alzheimer's disease
For your doctor’s visit, 10 Warning Signs Checklist
Download our free 10 Warning Signs Checklist and list any concerns you have. Take this sheet with you to the doctor.
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