Caregiver Resources
Alzheimer's Disease
10 Warning Signs Animation
Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, reasoning, and thinking skills. There are ten warning signs of Alzheimer's disease that we should know.
1. Memory loss
The patient mostly forgets information that they just received. They might ask the same questions repeatedly and require more electronic devices or reminder notes for things they used to handle by themself.
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2. Challenges in solving problems or planning.
Some patients may experience changes in their capacity to make plans or solve problems with numbers. For example, they might have issues with calculating monthly bills and take a longer time to finish them.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks.
The patients often find it challenging to achieve everyday tasks. For example, sometimes, they may have a problem driving to familiar places, remembering their favourite game's rules, or collecting a grocery checklist.
4. Confusion with place or time.
The patients might experience losing track of seasons, dates, and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding things that are not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget how they got there or where they are.
5. Trouble understanding spatial relationships and visual images.
Vision problems leading to difficulty with balance or reading can be a sign of Alzheimer's. They may also have problems determining colour or contrast and judging distance, causing problems with driving.
6. Problems with words in writing or speaking.
Alzheimer's patients may have problems joining or following a conversation. For example, they may stop during a conversation and have no idea how to continue. In addition, they might struggle to find the correct vocabulary to name familiar objects.
7. losing the ability to retrace steps and Misplacing things.
The patients may place items in unusual locations. They may misplace things and cannot find them again.
8. Poor or decreased judgment.
The patients may experience decision-making or judgement changes, such as using poor decisions when dealing with money or having less awareness to keep themselves clean.
9. Withdrawal from social activities or work.
Because individuals may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation, they may withdraw from social activities or hobbies.
10. Changes in personality and mood.
Alzheimer's patients may experience personality and mood changes. For example, they can become depressed, anxious, confused, fearful, or suspicious.
