The ten warning signs of common symptoms
Recent
Memory Loss that Affects Job Skills
It is normal to occasionally forget assignments, colleagues' names, or a
business associates telephone number and remember them later. Those with a
dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, may forget things more often and not
remember them later.
Difficulty
Performing Familiar Tasks
Busy people can be so distracted from time to time that they may leave the
carrots on the stove and only remember to serve them at the end of the meal.
People with Alzheimer's disease could prepare a meal and not only forget to
serve it, but also forget they made it.
Problems
with Language
Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with
Alzheimer's disease may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate
words, making his or her sentence incomprehensible.
Disorientation
of Time and Place
It is normal to forget the day of the week or you destination for a moment.
But people with Alzheimer's disease can become lost on their own street, not
knowing where they are, how they got there or how to get back home.
Poor
or Decreased Judgement
People can become so immersed in an activity that they temporarily forget
the child they are watching. People with Alzheimer's disease could entirely
forget the child under their care. They may also dress inappropriately ,
wearing several shirts or blouses.
Problems
with Abstract Thinking
Balancing a checkbook may be disconcerting when the task is more complicated
than usual. Someone with Alzheimer's disease could forget completely what
the numbers are and what needs to be done with them.
Misplacing
Things
Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. A person with Alzheimer's
disease may put things in inappropriate places: an iron in the freezer, or
a
wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
Changes
in Mood or Behavior
Everyone becomes sad or moody from time to time. Someone with Alzheimer's
disease can exhibit rapid mood swings from calm tears to anger for no
apparent reason.
Changes
in Personality
People's personalities ordinarily change somewhat with age. But a person
with Alzheimer's disease can change drastically, becoming extremely confused
suspicious or fearful.
Loss
of Initiative
It is normal to tire of housework, business activities, or social obligations,
but
most people regain their initiative. The person with Alzheimer's disease may
become very passive and require cues and prompting to become involved.