10 Early Signs of Memory Loss – Early Detection Matters!

Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer's or other dementia. Alzheimer's is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are 10 warning signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, don't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with a professional. 

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to manage on their own.

What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.

Some people living with changes in their memory due to Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What's a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. 

People living with memory changes from Alzheimer's or other dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What's a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.

4. Confusion with time or place

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

What's a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.

Some people living with Alzheimer's or other dementia could experience vision changes. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.

What's a typical age-related change? Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing.

People living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").

What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.

A person living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.

What's a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.

8. Decreased or poor judgment

Individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What's a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision or mistake once in a while, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

A person living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience changes in their ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, they may withdraw from hobbies, social activities, or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.

What's a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality

Individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.

What's a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Get checked. Early detection matters.

If you notice signs of concern in yourself or someone else, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next. Talking about these changes can be uncomfortable—sharing your own worries might make them feel more real, and bringing up concerns with someone else might feel intrusive or upsetting. Still, these changes could point to serious health issues that deserve professional attention. Taking that first step is important. For clarity and peace of mind, contact the Ohio Center for Hope to schedule a free, comprehensive memory screening. There’s no cost to you, and we don’t bill insurance.

Source: Parts of this article came from:  https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

Neuro-Behavioral Clinical Research (NBR) is nationally recognized as a top 10 CNS research facility. Founded by Dr. Shishuka Malhotra, NBR is dedicated to providing patients with access to cutting-edge treatments and improved medicines. NBR specializes in research for mental health and memory loss. Together, our team has conducted over 200 clinical trials. We strive to end the stigma around mental health, raise awareness that early detection CAN slow the progression of memory loss, and empower our patients to live healthy lives. Our services are completely free and insurance is not needed. 330-493-1118  https://www.nbclinicalresearch.com/