Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia, affecting millions of older adults and their families each year. It can be overwhelming to watch a loved one experience memory loss, confusion, or changes in behavior, and it often leaves families wondering what’s happening and how to help. Understanding the signs of Alzheimer’s disease and how it progresses provides peace of mind and helps you take proactive steps in supporting your loved one.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Dementia is a broad term that encompasses various types of symptoms related to the loss of memory or other cognitive functions. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative neurological (brain) disease that accounts for about 60%-80% of dementia cases. This form of dementia affects more than 6 million Americans, initially through mild memory loss but ultimately diminishing a person’s ability to navigate everyday life.
Alzheimer’s presents in different ways for different people, and in most cases, cellular damage in the brain has already occurred by the time noticeable signs of Alzheimer’s are present. It’s a progressive disease, which means that over time, symptoms will worsen. There is no cure. However, there are a number of treatments and therapies available. Learning to spot the first signs of Alzheimer’s is key to getting a diagnosis, starting treatment, and planning for care needs.
The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease typically unfolds in stages. While not everyone progresses the same way, the stages provide a general framework:
- Early stage: Subtle memory lapses, difficulty remembering names, or losing items.
- Middle stage: Increased confusion, noticeable personality changes, and trouble with daily activities.
- Late stage: Severe memory loss, inability to communicate, and dependence on caregivers for all needs.
Recognizing the stages of Alzheimer’s helps families prepare for what lies ahead and ensures their loved one receives appropriate care.
10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
This is often the earliest and most noticeable sign of Alzheimer’s. Affected individuals might forget recently learned information, miss important dates or events, or repeatedly ask the same questions. Over time, they may increasingly rely on memory aids such as notes, reminders, and calendars. - Difficulty planning or problem-solving
People may struggle with tasks that require concentration or multiple steps, such as following a familiar recipe, managing a budget, or keeping up with monthly bills. They may lose track of numbers or find it hard to follow directions that once felt routine. - Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Everyday activities that once felt automatic, such as preparing a meal, driving to a known place, or playing a favorite game, can become confusing or overwhelming. The sequence of steps involved may be hard to remember, and mistakes become more frequent. This is one of the key signs of Alzheimer’s disease that often stands out to loved ones. - Confusion with time or place
Individuals might lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. They could forget where they are or how they arrived there, sometimes even in familiar settings. This disorientation often increases as the disease progresses through different stages of Alzheimer’s. - Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
Vision problems can occur, making it difficult to read, judge distances, or interpret visual cues. Recognizing faces or distinguishing between objects may also become challenging. These difficulties can increase safety concerns, such as trouble with driving. - New problems with words in speaking or writing
Conversational flow may suffer. A person might pause mid-sentence, struggle to find the right word, repeat themselves, or substitute incorrect words. Reading comprehension and writing clarity may also decline, making it harder to communicate effectively. - Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Items can be put in unusual locations, such as keys in the refrigerator or a phone in the pantry. The person may not remember how the items got there. As the disease progresses, they may even accuse others of stealing when they cannot find misplaced belongings. - Decreased or poor judgment
A person might make uncharacteristically poor decisions, such as giving away large sums of money, falling for scams, or neglecting grooming and safety. Their ability to make sound choices in social or financial situations may deteriorate noticeably. - Withdrawal from work or social activities
Because of memory loss or communication challenges, individuals may avoid hobbies, social gatherings, projects, or work tasks they once enjoyed. They might shy away from conversations or struggle to keep up in group settings, which can lead to isolation. - Changes in mood or personality
Emotional changes are common, such as becoming anxious, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or easily upset, especially when placed outside their comfort zone. A once-outgoing person may become withdrawn, or someone who was easygoing may become irritable or restless.
If you recognize these first signs of Alzheimer’s in a loved one, it is important to reach out to a healthcare provider. An early evaluation can confirm whether these symptoms are related to Alzheimer’s disease or another condition and give families peace of mind as they plan for the future.
When you suspect a loved one has Alzheimer’s
You may find it difficult to determine whether the behaviors you see are normal forgetfulness or true signs of Alzheimer’s. Talking with your loved one’s doctor about your concerns and what you’ve observed will open the door for an evaluation and diagnosis. An official diagnosis will give you a better idea of which stage of Alzheimer’s your loved one is in and what kinds of support and therapy options are available.
In addition to the medical team, you may find it useful to talk with others who share your experience. Local dementia and Alzheimer’s organizations are good resources for this type of support.
At Springpoint, we understand how overwhelming this journey can feel. Our compassionate care teams provide personalized support and a safe, engaging environment for residents in need of memory care. Families can find comfort knowing their loved one is surrounded by understanding professionals and a community that feels like home. Contact us today.
