Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not a normal part of aging. It is a symptom of dementia, a gradual and progressive decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimers disease, a disorder that results in the loss of brain cells.
The Alzheimers Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, has developed a checklist of common symptoms to help recognize the warning signs of Alzheimers disease.
1. Memory loss.
Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
People with dementia often find it hard to complete everyday tasks that were once so familiar, they were nearly automatic. Individuals may forget the steps to prepare a meal, use a household appliance or participate in a lifelong hobby.
3. Problems with language.
People with Alzheimers disease often forget simple words orbsubstitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They may be unable to find the toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for that thing for my mouth.
4. Disorientation to time and place.
People with Alzheimers disease can become lost in their own neighborhoods, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.
5. Poor or decreased judgment.
Those with Alzheimers may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgment about money, like giving away large sums to telemarketers.
6. Problems with abstract thinking.
Balancing a checkbook is a task that can be challenging for some. But a person with Alzheimers may forget what numbers are and how they should be used.
7. Misplacing things.
Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or key. A person with Alzheimers disease may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.