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The first signs of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), such as memory problems, usually occur after the age of 60.[1][2] However, it is important to note that memory lapses or periodic forgetfulness are common elements of the normal aging process.[3][4] That said, the transition stage between common memory loss associated with normal aging and the serious issues resulting from AD is a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI).[4] Although having MCI does not necessarily mean one will develop AD, many people who suffer from MCI do eventually go on to develop AD. It is during this transition stage that the early signs of AD may be detected.[4]
Normal Age-Related Changes
Some examples of normal age-related changes range from misplacing your keys to forgetting where you parked your car in the mall parking lot.[3][4] Unexpectedly meeting an old acquaintance or former co-worker and not remembering his or her name also fall into this category.[4] These types of infrequent incidences should not be cause for alarm.[4]
Non-Measurable Early Signs
Not all signs of forgetfulness indicated onset of AD, as it is not a quick-evolving disease.[5] It emerges gradually and begins with symptoms that are most likely only noticeable to the individual suffering from the disease.[3][5] These types of symptoms will go unnoticed by family, friends, and co-workers, and will not be evident during a medical examination.[3] A common non-measurable symptom is repeatedly forgetting new names, familiar words, and the location of everyday items, such as eyeglasses or keys.[3] Note that if a pattern develops, it could be a sign of early onset of AD.[4]
Measurable Early Signs
Although AD can only be positively determined after death through an examination of brain tissue, it can be diagnosed with 80 to 90 percent accuracy.(6) To do so, a doctor will conduct an extensive medical interview in order to establish either a possible or probable diagnosis of AD.[3][6] If the doctor can rule out all other potential causes for the patient's symptoms, such as other illnesses or reactions to medications, a probable diagnosis will result. However, if all other potential causes cannot be ruled out, then a possible diagnosis may result.[6] In addition to a doctor's recognition of early signs of AD, the following symptoms might become apparent to family, friends, and co-workers.[2][3][4][7][8]
- Inability to retain material from a reading passage
- Asks the same question repeatedly
- Tells a story over and over verbatim
- Loses or misplaces valuable items
- Hoards items of no value and constantly checks on them
- Decreased attention span and reduced desire to continue an activity as one normally would
- Increased difficulty handling money and paying bills
- Avoids making decisions he or she would have easily made before
- Avoids answering questions or stops talking in order to not make a mistake
- Increased difficulty in organizing and articulating thoughts
- Substitutes correct words with incorrect words that sound similar
- Increased time spent performing daily routines, such as cooking and cleaning, and becomes easily upset if the routine is interrupted
- Misses meals or eats too often
- Decline in daily hygiene, such as bathing and changing clothes regularly
- Easily gets lost either at or going to a familiar place
- Increased sudden personality and mood swings
- No desire to experience change or start new things
- Increased irritability
- Loss of interest in others
- Poor judgment
- Misses weekly scheduled events, such as playing cards or medical appointments
If you have reason to believe that you or a loved one may have symptoms of the early signs of AD, consult your physician.
For More Information
For in-depth information on Alzheimer's disease and care, read Alzheimer's Disease: An Overview in our Elder Health Guides section.
Learn more about Alzheimer's care services and Alzheimer's care communities at Emeritus.
References
1. U.S. National Institutes on Health, National Institute on Aging. (November 2008). Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet. Retrieved June 17, 2009 from the U.S. National Institutes on Health, National Institute on Aging Web Site: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm.
2. U.S. National Institutes on Health, National Institute on Aging. (February 5, 2009). Symptoms. Retrieved June 17, 2009 from the U.S. National Institutes on Health, National Institute on Aging Web Site: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm.
3. U.S. National Institutes on Health, National Institute on Aging. (February 5, 2009). Understanding Stages and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved June 17, 2009 from the U.S. National Institutes on Health, National Institute on Aging Web Site: http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/stages.htm.
4. Pfeiffer, Eric. (n.d.).The Seven Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease. Retrieved on June 17, 2009 from the University of South Florida, Suncoast Alzheimer's and Gerontology Center Web Site: http://health.usf.edu/medicine/alzheimer/pdfs/Seven_Warning_Signs.pdf.
5. Alzheimer's Association. (n.d.). Stages of Alzheimer's. Retrieved June 17, 2009 from Alzheimer's Association Web Site: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp.
6. Medline Plus. Alzheimer's Disease. (n.d.) Retrieved June 17, 2009 from Medline Plus Web Site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alzheimersdisease.html.
7. Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. (n.d.) Alzheimer's Diagnosis Truths. Retrieved June 17, 2009 from Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation Web Site: http://www.alzinfo.org/alzheimers-diagnosis.asp#2.
8. MayoClinic.com. (August 26, 2008). Mild Cognitive Impairment. Retrieved June 17, 2009 from Mayo Clinic Web Site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mild-cognitive-impairment/DS00553.
