Memory loss can disrupt your daily life and can be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or another dementia, it’s a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory and how people think and reason. Take a look at these 10 early signs and symptoms, it depends on the individual as some may experience more than others to a degree.
When memory loss is disrupting your daily life
One of the more common symptoms is memory loss, especially when it comes to forgetting new information. Some signs include forgetting important dates and events, as well as asking for the same information over and over again, as well as increasingly having to rely on things to remind them.
Trying to solve problems
Some people may experience changes in how they develop and follow certain plans or working with numbers. Other signs include finding it difficult to follow a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may also find it hard to concentrate and take longer to do things than they did before.
Difficulty when trying to complete familiar tasks
People with Alzheimer’s usually find it hard to finish a daily task, this includes driving to a familiar place, managing a budget or even remembering the rules of a favourite game.
Confusion with the time or place
People with Alzheimer’s can easily lose track of the dates, seasons and time, they may also have trouble understanding something if it isn’t happening immediately, sometimes they could forget where they are or how they got there.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
For some people, having vision problems can be a sign of Alzheimer’s and they may also have problems when it comes to reading, judging the distance and determining the colour or contrast, these can also cause problems with driving.
Problems with words when speaking or writing
People with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can also experience problems when it comes to following or joining in a conversation, they may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea what’s going on or repeat something that they have already said. They may also struggle with vocabulary and have problems choosing the right word.
Misplacing and losing things
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places, as well as losing things and be unable to retrace their steps to find them again. Sometimes they may be so frustrated when this has happened, that they’ll accuse people of stealing things from them.
Poor judgement
People with Alzheimer’s may also experience changes in judgement or decision making, they may also use poor judgement when dealing with money, giving large amounts of money to organisations that they usually wouldn’t involve themselves with. They may also pay less attention when it comes to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
Withdrawal from social situations
People with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from their hobbies, social, activities, work projects or sports. They may also have trouble keeping up with their favourite sports and hobbies or remembering how to participate in them. They may also avoid future social situations due to already have experienced these situations.
Mood swings and changes in their personality
The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change, they may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful and anxious. They may be easily upset at home, work or with friends or in places where they’re out of their comfort zone.