by Daniel Salomone 

The Alzheimer’s Association has developed the following information regarding possible warning signs of dementia that can serve as a guide to identify problems that may be related to Alzheimer’s. Individuals may experience one or multiple warning signs in varying degrees, but they don’t have to experience them all for there to be concern. 

If we notice any of these signs in ourselves or someone else, it’s important to see a doctor. 

1. MEMORY LOSS THAT DISRUPTS DAILY LIFE 

Possible signs of dementia: One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and relying increasingly on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes) or family members for tasks formerly managed with ease. 

A typical age-related change: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later. 

2. CHALLENGES IN PLANNING OR SOLVING PROBLEMS 

Possible signs of dementia: Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers, which may result in trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills and difficulty in concentrating and taking much longer to complete tasks. 

A typical age-related change: Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills. 

3. DIFFICULTY COMPLETING FAMILIAR TASKS 

Possible signs of dementia: People living with dementia commonly have difficulty completing daily tasks, such as driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list and remembering the rules of a favorite game. 

A typical age-related change: Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a TV show. 

4. CONFUSION WITH TIME OR PLACE 

Possible signs of dementia: People living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately or forget where they are or how they got there. 

A typical age-related change: Getting confused about the day of the week, but figuring it out sometime later. 

5. TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING VISUAL IMAGES AND SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS 

Possible signs of dementia: For some people, having vision problems is a sign of dementia, which may lead to difficulty with balance, trouble reading and problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause issues with driving. 

A typical age-related change: Vision changes related to cataracts. 

6. NEW PROBLEMS WITH WORDS IN SPEAKING OR WRITING 

Possible signs of dementia: People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They might stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue, repeat themselves, struggle with vocabulary or have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name. 

A typical age-related change: Sometimes having trouble finding the right words. 

7. MISPLACING THINGS AND LOSING THE ABILITY TO RETRACE STEPS 

Possible signs of dementia: A person living with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places. He or she may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them or accuse others of stealing, which may occur more frequently over time. 

A typical age-related change: Misplacing items from time to time and retracing steps to find them. 

8. DECREASED OR POOR JUDGMENT 

Possible signs of dementia: People living with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. They may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. 

A typical age-related change: Making a bad decision or mistake occasionally, like neglecting to change the oil in the car. 

9. WITHDRAWAL FROM WORK OR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES 

Possible signs of dementia: A person living with dementia may experience changes in their ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, he or she may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements or have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity;  

A typical age-related change: Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social engagements. 

10. CHANGES IN MOOD AND PERSONALITY 

Possible signs of dementia: People living with dementia may experience mood and personality changes, such as becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious or getting easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone. 

A typical age-related change: Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted. Individuals may experience one or multiple warning signs in varying degrees, but they don’t have to experience them all for there to be concern.  

There are many benefits to early detection, including the opportunity to plan for the future, explore treatment options and participate in clinical studies. 

The Alzheimer’s Association is a great resource for information regarding dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information, call (24/7) 800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org. 

Daniel Salomone, who has worked in health care for over 30 years, is a Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association and is also the owner of Senior Care Authority, an area consulting agency that helps families identify and place seniors in assisted living and memory care communities at no cost to the family or the senior.