Knowing about the warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease can help with early detection of the illness, thereby enabling caregivers and healthcare professionals to treat the patient in a better way. It is important to watch out for warning signs such as:
Recent memory loss that affects job performance. Forgetting assignments, names and phone numbers and not being able to remember them later
Problems with language- forgetting simple words and using familiar words inappropriately
Difficulty performing familiar tasks. Forgetting all the steps necessary to complete a simple task, such as setting the table.
Poor or decreased judgement
Disorientation of time and place. Becoming confused in familiar surroundings
Disorientation of time and place. Becoming confused in familiar surroundings.
Problems with abstract thinking. Difficulty in calculating numbers, handling money, thinking conceptually
Misplacing things- placing items in inappropriate places such as an iron in the freezer and then being unable to retrieve them
Changes in mood or behaviour- rapid, unexplained mood swings
Changes in personality, drastic changes in character, becoming confused, suspicious or fearful
Loss of initiative, becoming passive or reluctant to get involved in activities