Health

13 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s You Shouldn’t Ignore

Difficulty Recognizing Faces One of the most traumatizing symptoms of this disease, difficulty recognizing faces is the most well-known symptom of Alzheimer’s. The disease can affect… Austin Alan - April 29, 2023

Alzheimer’s is a heartbreaking disease. It’s difficult for both the afflicted and their loved ones. Identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s disease is critical for early intervention and management of the disease. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, cognitive function, and behavior. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early detection can help individuals and their families better manage the symptoms of the disease. This will allow them plan for the future. Some early signs of Alzheimer’s include difficulty with problem-solving, changes in mood or personality, and difficulty recognizing familiar people or places. Other early signs may include difficulty with communication, loss of interest in hobbies, and changes in sleep patterns. Not everyone with these symptoms has Alzheimer’s disease, and a medical professional should be consulted for a proper diagnosis. The subject material ahead may be triggering for those with personal experience.

Changes In Handwriting

As we age, it’s natural for our handwriting to change. However, a significant change in handwriting can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease can cause changes in the brain that affect fine motor skills, making writing more difficult. This can result in handwriting that is hard to read. The individual may also struggle with writing letters in the correct order or struggle with spelling. If you notice a significant change in a loved one’s handwriting, it may be time to seek medical advice.

While handwriting changes alone are not enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, it can be an early warning sign. Sometimes, a change in handwriting may be a sign of another health issue, such as Parkinson’s disease. If you notice a significant change in your handwriting or that of a loved one, it’s time to seek medical advice. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms to determine where or not there is an underlying medical condition that could be addressed. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

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Difficulty Understanding Sarcasm Or Humor

Though not understanding sarcasm or humor may seem like a minor issue, it can be an early warning of Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, it can affect the brain’s ability to understand language, including the nuances of sarcasm and humor. The individual may take things too literally, miss jokes, or have trouble interpreting the tone of voice. This can be frustrating for both the individual and their loved ones, as they may not understand why their communication is suddenly off. If you notice a loved one struggling to understand sarcasm or humor, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Difficulty with language comprehension does not necessarily mean you have Alzheimer’s disease. But it is cause for concern and should be assessed by a medical provider right away. There are many other factors that can cause difficulty with language, including hearing loss, depression, and medication side effects. If you notice a loved one struggling with communication, it’s important to seek medical advice. A medical professional can evaluate their symptoms and perform tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed.

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Credit: Regional Neurological Associates

Difficulty With Problem-Solving

Trouble with problem-solving is one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progresses, it can affect the brain’s ability to think logically and make decisions. The individual may have trouble following a recipe or keeping track of their bills. They may struggle to come up with solutions to simple problems, such as fixing a leaky faucet. They may also have difficulty with more complex tasks, such as managing their finances or planning a trip. If you notice a loved one struggling with problem-solving, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Problem-solving issues would not be the only factor that would be diagnostic of Alzheimer’s disease. But if you feel like your cognitive ability is declining unnaturally fast, it’s time to get that checked out. There are many other factors that can affect cognitive function, including stress, depression, and medication side effects. If you notice a loved one struggling with problem-solving, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your doctor can perform tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed

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Misplacing Items In Unusual Places

Misplacing items in odd places can be commonplace, but it’s also an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease can affect the brain’s ability to remember where items were last placed, leading the individual to put them in unusual locations. For example, they may put their keys in the refrigerator or their phone in the sock drawer. They may also struggle to retrace their steps and remember where they left items. If you notice a loved one misplacing items in unusual places, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Although misplacing items may be a possible symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, it is not sufficient to diagnose the condition on its own. There are many other factors that can impact memory, such as stress, fatigue, and medication side effects, and these can also lead to misplacing items. If you notice that a family member or friend is having difficulty with memory or regularly losing things, it is important to seek medical advice. A qualified medical professional can evaluate their symptoms and conduct tests to determine if there is an underlying health issue that requires attention.

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A Decrease In Personal Hygiene

Neglecting personal hygiene can be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease can affect the individual’s ability to remember their daily routine and take care of themselves. They may forget to bathe, brush their teeth, or change their clothes. They may also have difficulty with grooming tasks, such as combing their hair or shaving. If you notice a loved one neglecting their personal hygiene, it may be time to seek medical advice.

While it may be tempting to assume that neglecting personal hygiene is always a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to keep in mind that other factors can impact a person’s ability to maintain cleanliness. Depression, mobility issues, and medication side effects are just a few examples of conditions that can also affect personal hygiene. However, if you observe a loved one struggling with personal hygiene, it’s vital to seek medical advice. Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions that require attention. By detecting potential health issues early and receiving proper treatment, a person can improve their quality of life and manage their symptoms more effectively.

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Repetitive Behaviors

Alzheimer’s disease is known to cause repetitive behaviors. The disease can affect the individual’s ability to process new information, leading them to rely on familiar routines and habits. They may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as pacing, tapping, or hand-wringing. They may also repeatedly ask the same questions or tell the same stories. If you notice a loved one engaging in repetitive behaviors, it may be time to seek medical advice.

It’s worth bearing in mind that engaging in repetitive behaviors doesn’t always indicate Alzheimer’s disease, but it can be a possible sign that warrants attention. There are several other factors that can influence behavior, such as anxiety, stress, and medication side effects, all of which may also lead to repetitive behaviors. Therefore, if you notice your loved one exhibiting repetitive behaviors, it is crucial to seek medical advice. A medical professional can evaluate their symptoms and conduct tests to determine if there are any underlying medical issues that need to be addressed. Early detection and treatment are essential in managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life of individuals.

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Difficulty Recognizing Faces

One of the most traumatizing symptoms of this disease, difficulty recognizing faces is the most well-known symptom of Alzheimer’s. The disease can affect the individual’s ability to process and remember new information, including faces. They may have trouble recognizing familiar faces, including family members and close friends. They may also struggle to remember the names of people they have recently met. If you notice a loved one having difficulty recognizing faces, it may be time to seek medical advice.

There are many other factors that can affect memory and recognition, including vision problems, stress, and medication side effects. However, it is a serious issue if a face does not seem familiar. If you notice a loved one struggling with facial recognition, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your doctor can evaluate their symptoms and perform tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life

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Changes In Eating Habits

Cravings are very common for anyone, but abrupt changes in eating habits can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease can affect the individual’s ability to remember when they last ate or to understand the sensation of hunger or fullness. They may forget to eat altogether or eat smaller meals throughout the day without realizing it. They may also develop a preference for sweet or salty foods or suddenly lose interest in their favorite foods. If you notice a loved one experiencing changes in eating habits, it may be time to seek medical advice.

There are many other factors that can affect eating habits, including depression, digestive issues, and medication side effects. It’s important to note that changes in eating habits will usually come with other symptoms if it is Alzheimer’s. If you notice a loved one experiencing changes in eating habits, it’s important to seek medical advice. Your doctor can evaluate their symptoms and perform tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life

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Difficulty Navigating Familiar Places

An inability to navigate in familiar places can be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease can affect the individual’s spatial awareness and ability to recognize familiar landmarks. They may become disoriented or lost in places they have known for years, such as their own neighborhood or workplace. They may also have trouble following directions or remembering how to get to familiar destinations. If you notice a loved one experiencing difficulty navigating in familiar places, it may be time to seek medical advice.

It’s important to note that difficulty navigating alone is not enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, but it can be an early warning sign. There are many other factors that can affect spatial awareness and memory, including vision problems, stress, and medication side effects. If you notice a loved one experiencing difficulty navigating, it’s important to seek medical advice. A medical professional can perform tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life

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Difficulty With Coordination

Loss of coordination or fine motor skills is commonly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The disease can affect the individual’s ability to perform physical activities that require coordination, such as walking, writing, or buttoning a shirt. They may stumble or lose their balance more frequently, or they may have trouble manipulating objects with their hands. These changes can be subtle at first, but they can become more pronounced as the disease progresses. If you notice a loved one experiencing difficulty with coordination, it may be time to seek medical advice.

It’s essential to keep in mind that struggling with coordination does not necessarily imply that a person has Alzheimer’s disease, but it may be an early warning sign of other medical conditions. Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and medication side effects are among the numerous factors that may impact a person’s coordination. Thus, if you observe your loved one having trouble with coordination, it’s important to seek medical advice. A qualified medical professional can assess their symptoms and conduct tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that requires attention. Early detection and treatment can play a significant role in managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life of individuals.

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Changes In Personality

Alzheimer’s disease can also cause a drastic change of personality. Individuals may exhibit sudden mood swings, become easily agitated or irritable, or become socially withdrawn. They may also experience a loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, and their overall mood may become more apathetic. These changes can be distressing for loved ones and can have a significant impact on the individual’s quality of life. If you notice a loved one experiencing changes in personality, it may be time to seek medical advice.

It’s worth emphasizing that alterations in personality do not necessarily mean that someone has Alzheimer’s disease, but they can be an early indicator of other medical issues. Depression, medication side effects, and stress are among the numerous factors that can influence a person’s personality. Therefore, if you observe changes in a loved one’s personality, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can evaluate their symptoms and conduct tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs attention. Detecting and treating medical issues early can have a significant impact on symptom management and improving a person’s quality of life.

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Difficulty With Spatial Awareness

Difficulty with spatial awareness can be a dangerous sign of Alzheimer’s. Individuals may struggle to navigate familiar environments, misjudge distances, or become disoriented easily. They may also have difficulty with tasks that require spatial awareness, such as parking a car or following directions. These changes can be subtle at first, but they can become more pronounced as the disease progresses. If you notice a loved one experiencing difficulty with spatial awareness, it may be time to seek medical advice.

It’s critical to understand that struggling with spatial awareness does not necessarily indicate Alzheimer’s disease, but it can be a possible warning sign of other medical conditions. Vision problems, inner ear issues, and medication side effects are among the many factors that can impact a person’s spatial awareness. Therefore, if you observe a loved one experiencing difficulty with spatial awareness, it’s essential to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can assess their symptoms and conduct tests to identify any underlying medical condition that requires attention. Early detection and treatment can play a vital role in symptom management and improving a person’s quality of life.

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Sleep Disturbances

Changes in sleep patterns can be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals may experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than usual. They may also experience increased daytime sleepiness or a change in sleep quality. These changes in sleep patterns can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to note that changes in sleep patterns alone are not enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, but they can be a red flag for further investigation.

If you notice changes in your loved one’s sleep patterns, it’s important to discuss them with a medical professional. Your doctor can evaluate their symptoms and perform tests to treat them accordingly. They may also recommend changes to your loved one’s sleep habits or prescribe medication to improve sleep quality. A person with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers should be able to detect and treat sleep disturbances early on so that their quality of life can be improved

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