What are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 14, 2024

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Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain, causing memory loss and impairing a person’s ability to perform daily tasks. Over time, Alzheimer’s gradually worsens due to a buildup of proteins in the brain, disrupting nerve function. It is the leading cause of dementia and affects millions of people, mostly those of older age, in the United States. Here are the ten primary symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Disruptive Memory Loss

One of the most noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. As the disease advances, it becomes more challenging for individuals to remember even the simplest information. They may forget newly learned facts almost instantly, frequently repeating questions or comments. Many patients rely heavily on memory aids to recall important details, like names, dates, or places. At first, they might forget something but later remember it. However, as the disease progresses, even the names of close family members and friends can slip away.

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Difficulty Planning

Planning and organizing become difficult for people with Alzheimer’s. This can affect their ability to make and follow plans, such as organizing social events or managing their daily schedule. Numbers become harder to comprehend, leading to confusion with calendars and dates. Tasks like paying bills or managing finances may also become challenging, with individuals forgetting deadlines or struggling to balance a checkbook. Using a written agenda or setting reminders can help, but planning difficulties will continue to increase over time.

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Trouble Completing Daily Tasks

As Alzheimer’s progresses, everyday tasks that once seemed simple become increasingly difficult. For instance, individuals may have trouble finding commonly used items around the house. More complex tasks, like going to the bank or grocery shopping, become overwhelming. Alzheimer's patients may also struggle with familiar tasks, such as using the microwave or operating the television. Over time, they may need assistance from family members or caregivers to help with these daily responsibilities.

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Confusion with Time or Place

People with Alzheimer’s often experience confusion about time and place. This can manifest in an inability to recall when certain events are supposed to happen, such as birthdays or meetings. Additionally, patients may struggle to understand events that aren’t happening immediately, quickly forgetting something that occurred just minutes earlier. It’s not uncommon for individuals to forget where they are or how they got there. Alzheimer’s patients may also lose track of the days, only remembering later on.

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Difficulty Understanding Visual Information

Some people with Alzheimer’s disease experience problems with vision. These issues can make reading more difficult, as letters may appear blurry or hard to follow. Depth perception may also be affected, making it challenging to judge distances between objects. Patients might struggle with identifying colors or contrasting shades, making tasks like driving more dangerous or difficult. These visual problems can be subtle at first but worsen over time.

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Speech and Language Problems

Alzheimer’s often affects a person’s ability to communicate. Holding a conversation becomes more challenging as individuals struggle to find the right words or remember what they were discussing. Sometimes, they may initiate a conversation but are unable to continue it. Repeating words or phrases is also common, as patients may forget that they already mentioned something. Vocabulary loss is another common issue, and Alzheimer’s patients may call objects by the wrong name or be unable to describe what they want to say.

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Decreased Judgment

Poor judgment is a frequent symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. This can lead to making decisions without thinking them through, resulting in poor choices. For example, a person with Alzheimer’s might mishandle their finances by giving away large sums of money or making unnecessary purchases. They may also neglect personal hygiene, forgetting to shower or brush their teeth. As their condition progresses, Alzheimer’s patients often lose awareness of these lapses in judgment, requiring more support from caregivers.

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Changes in Mood and Personality

Alzheimer’s can cause significant changes in mood and personality. These shifts may happen gradually or occur suddenly, with patients becoming irritable or angry without warning. Small changes in their environment may trigger anxiety, confusion, or frustration. Alzheimer’s patients are often easily upset, especially when they are in unfamiliar surroundings. Paranoia is also common in people with dementia, and these mood changes can be distressing for both the patient and their loved ones. Over time, these personality changes may become more permanent.

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Reluctance to Try New Things

As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals often become hesitant to try new activities or experiences. Changes in their daily routine can lead to anxiety or confusion, making them more likely to avoid new situations. For example, attending a party or traveling to a new location might cause distress. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, or people can lead to feelings of fear or nervousness. To minimize stress, Alzheimer’s patients typically prefer to stick to familiar routines and environments.

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Withdrawal from Social Activities

One of the more gradual symptoms of Alzheimer’s is withdrawal from social activities. Patients may stop participating in events they once enjoyed, such as family gatherings or social outings. When they do attend, they may sit quietly or leave early. They often become more isolated, avoiding social interactions and making excuses not to attend events. In many cases, they will only engage in social activities when familiar people are present. The lack of initiative to join conversations or participate in group activities becomes more apparent as the disease advances.

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