The Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Almost 750 000 Canadians live with Alzheimer’s disease, and most people with the condition are over 65. While there is no cure for it, knowing the early signs and symptoms can prevent a significant hardship. Don’t ignore it if you are worried about yourself or someone you love because of sudden unusual behavior. You can seek proper treatment and support from caregivers and other medical professionals by spotting the disease early, including medication that can reduce symptoms.
There are five early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. If any of the following sound familiar to you, schedule a doctor’s appointment for you or your loved ones right away.

alzhiemer — Photo by Steven HWG on Unsplash

Table of Contents

1. Disruptive Memory Loss

Memory loss can be challenging in seniors because some memory loss is a common sign of aging. However, there are ways to differentiate between Alzheimer’s memory loss and natural memory loss.

Where the average senior might forget appointment times or acquaintance names — someone with Alzheimer’s will repeatedly forget where they put their keys, ask the same questions over and over, and forget important dates, such as a spouse’s birthday.

Make sure to watch out for repeated forgetfulness and how often your loved one makes such mistakes.

2. Trouble Performing Everyday Tasks

It’s one thing to forget to add an ingredient to a new recipe, but it’s quite different when you suddenly can’t remember how to use the same TV remote you’ve had for years.

People with Alzheimer’s disease can forget how to do something that would otherwise be familiar to them. Sometimes they’ll forget how to drive to a location that they’ve gone to a hundred times before or how to play their favorite card game.

Keeping an eye on these habits can help you trace the disease early.

3. Confusing Time and Place

Have you ever felt like you don’t know where you are, only to realize you’re in the living room of your home? It’s common sometimes to confuse the days of the week or wake from an afternoon nap and feel disoriented. But for people with Alzheimer’s disease, such confusion can last for extended periods, interfering with daily life.

4. Verbal and Written Communication Problems

People with Alzheimer’s have a difficult time following along with conversations. Often, they can’t understand the flow of a conversation, and if they try to contribute, they’ll forget what they wanted to say or may repeat themselves.

5. Exhibiting Poor Judgment

An individual with Alzheimer’s might dress unusually or exhibit unintentional poor hygiene. They may say things that are out of character and take no notice.

What You Can Do

If you recognize any of the above signs, either with yourself or someone close to you, get in touch with a professional healthcare provider that offers dementia care services in Toronto and the surrounding area. They can provide the support you’ll need right in the comfort of home. You should also contact your health professional to seek additional medical treatment.

Alzheimer’s is a serious disease, and without the right support, it can lead to devastating consequences. Don’t take any of these signs and symptoms lightly. If you have a health concern, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor today.

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