Content updated from previous publish date.
When young people think about retirement, they often dream of leisurely days with loved ones and finally pursuing hobbies that they never had time for. What they don’t anticipate is spending their golden years forgetting loved ones’ names and getting lost on the way to the grocery store.
Alzheimer’s disease now affects an estimated 6.5 million Americans and is the most common
form of dementia, a general term that describes a variety of diseases and conditions that develop when nerve cells in the brain die or no longer function normally. Knowing the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s is critical so you can begin interventions to support your memory.
BASICS ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that is associated with memory loss. You may start forgetting people’s names, have trouble remembering why you walked into a room, lose track of where you put your car keys, and more. Over time, Alzheimer’s begins to interfere with daily life and eventually impairs one’s ability to carry out basic functions such as speaking, writing, walking, and swallowing. Sadly, the disease eventually leads to death.
Here are some sobering statistics about Alzheimer’s disease:
- Alzheimer’s is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.
- Nearly two-thirds of individuals living with Alzheimer’s are women.
- Alzheimer’s and other dementias cost the nation approximately $321 billion in 2022.
- Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s disease.
Despite all of this, it’s important to know that Alzheimer’s is not a “normal part of aging” and there are ways to decrease your chances of getting it.
BRAIN CHANGES IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Alzheimer’s is associated with harmful changes in areas of the brain involved in memory, thinking, and language. Alzheimer’s has been linked to the abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain. However,
findings in 2022 have called this hypothesis into question. Researchers are still investigating how these plaques and tangles may contribute to Alzheimer’s. Other brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s include inflammation, shrinkage, and low blood flow. In fact, overall low blood flow is the #1
brain-imaging predictor of Alzheimer’s.
Some of these brain changes begin to develop years or even decades before any symptoms appear. Brain
SPECT imaging, which measures blood flow and activity in the brain, can help identify the changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease before a person has symptoms.
10 EARLY SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are 10 early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form of
dementia. How many of these signs do you (or a loved one) have?
1. Memory loss
The most recognizable symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is the loss of memory. Forgetting people’s names, forgetting the contents of a book or article soon after reading it, and repeatedly asking the same questions are common signs associated with memory problems. One of the key signs that you may be headed for trouble is if your memory is worse now than it was 10 years ago.
2. Difficulty with planning
Is it increasingly challenging for you to make plans and stick with them? Does the idea of planning a vacation seem overwhelming? Do you have problems managing your time? If you answer these questions with a ‘yes’, then it could be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s.
3. Trouble with routine tasks
When everyday chores and tasks become more challenging or take longer to do, it is a possible indicator that you may be suffering from early Alzheimer’s disease. For example, having trouble following the steps necessary to install new software on your computer, manage your bank accounts online, or cook a recipe may be signs of trouble.
4. Confusion regarding time or location
Experiencing disorientation is a common indication of Alzheimer’s. Having trouble knowing the time, date, or day of the week may be an early indicator of the disease. A 2016
study points to damage in the hippocampus of the brain, which can begin years before any signs of the disease show, as a contributor to time distortions. In addition, you may forget your location or be unsure how you arrived somewhere.
Research demonstrates that the brain regions involved with one’s sense of location are affected in the initial stages of the disease.
5. Changes in vision
Many individuals with Alzheimer’s disease experience visual problems, such as trouble seeing colors or contrast. According to a 2020
study, adults with poor ability to detect visual contrast were more likely to have an accumulation of the amyloid and tau proteins commonly seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Another
study in 2019 found that when taking a short-term memory test, the pupils of people with mild cognitive impairment became more dilated compared with those with healthy cognitive function. The researchers concluded that increased dilation indicated greater cognitive effort required to complete the test.
6. Communication problems
Problems with spoken or written language are common in people with early Alzheimer’s disease. This can manifest itself in various ways, ranging from difficulty finding the right words to say or write to difficulty understanding conversations. You may call a familiar item by the wrong name, have trouble finding the right word, or have difficulty following a conversation.
7. Losing things
Misplacing your belongings is commonly seen in early Alzheimer’s disease. For example, a person in the early stages of the disease may put their phone in the refrigerator, leave their wallet in the medicine cabinet, or place their briefcase in the sock drawer. In addition, people with early dementia may have trouble retracing their steps to figure out where they left the object they misplaced.
8. Impaired judgment
Is your decision-making getting worse? Are you splurging on things you can’t afford? Are you making risky investments? Are you doing things that are uncharacteristic or that go against your values? Such behavior can be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
9. Social isolation
According to a 2021
study, social withdrawal is one of the initial indicators of Alzheimer’s. Pulling away from one’s social circle may begin years prior to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Are you finding yourself seeking solitude more often? Are you turning down social invitations you used to enjoy? Are you reluctant to interact with family and friends?
10. Changes in mood and personality
One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of Alzheimer’s disease is the change in a person’s mood and personality. Depression and apathy are some of the most common personality changes seen in early Alzheimer’s disease, according to
research. Other changes may include increased anxiety, irritability, or mood swings. These changes are thought to be caused by the deterioration of areas of the brain that control emotions and behavior.
Ask yourself if you (or a loved one) have any of these early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing these early signs can be important in identifying and diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and getting the early intervention necessary to protect overall brain health and
support memory.
Memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. 
