10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s:
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Memory loss that disrupts daily life | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later. |
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Challenges in planning or solving problems | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook. |
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Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change?
Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.
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Confusion with time or place | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change?
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later. |
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Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.
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New problems with words in speaking or writing | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
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Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
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Decreased or poor judgment | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change?
Making a bad decision once in a while. |
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Withdrawal from work or social activities | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change?
Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations. |
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Changes in mood and personality | ![]() |
![]() What’s a typical age-related change?
Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted. |
Typical age-related memory loss and other changes compared to Alzheimer’s
Signs of Alzheimer’s |
Typical age-related changes |
Poor judgment and decision making | Making a bad decision once in a while |
Inability to manage a budget | Missing a monthly payment |
Losing track of the date or the season | Forgetting which day it is and remembering later |
Difficulty having a conversation | Sometimes forgetting which word to use |
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them | Losing things from time to time |
What to do if you notice these signs
If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
With early detection, you can:
Get the maximum benefit from available treatments – You can explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer. You may also increase your chances of participating in clinical drug trials that help advance research.
Learn more about treatments.
Learn more about clinical studies.
Have more time to plan for the future – A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s allows you to take part in decisions about care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters. You can also participate in building the right care team and social support network.
Learn more about planning ahead.
Learn how to get a personalized action plan by using Alzheimer’s Navigator.
Help for you and your loved ones – Care and support services are available, making it easier for you and your family to live the best life possible with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Learn how the Alzheimer’s Association helps families.
Additional information:
- Researchers seek paths to earlier diagnosis
Information on the scientific studies researchers are pursuing to earlier diagnosis - Video: Alzheimer’s Association Chief Medical and Scientific Office Dr. William Thies discusses the benefits of early detection
When you see your doctor
“It took my mother having a stress-related heart attack before we quit dismissing my father’s progressing dementia to ‘senior moments’ and got him a proper diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Had we paid attention to the warning signs of this disease, a lot of prevention could have been in place.” -Brent |
Your doctor will evaluate your overall health and identify any conditions that could affect how well your mind is working. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist such as a:
- Neurologist – specializes in diseases of the brain and nervous system
- Psychiatrist – specializes in disorders that affect mood or the way the mind works
- Psychologist – has special training in testing memory and other mental functions
- Geriatrician – specializes in the care of older adults and Alzheimer’s disease
Learn more about diagnosing Alzheimer’s.
Learn more about different types of dementia.