Jade Small
Jade Small
October 18, 2024 ·  6 min read

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

Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging condition that profoundly impacts both those diagnosed and their loved ones. Early detection plays a crucial role in managing the disease’s progression and planning for the future. While Alzheimer’s has no cure, recognizing early symptoms allows for better medical intervention, which can slow the disease’s progression and improve the quality of life. Here are 13 early signs of Alzheimer’s that shouldn’t be ignored.

1. Difficulty Understanding Sarcasm or Humor

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People with early Alzheimer’s may begin to have trouble understanding sarcasm or jokes. The disease affects areas of the brain involved in processing subtleties of communication, like humor. They may become more literal in their interpretations and fail to pick up on tone or wordplay. This can be frustrating for both the person affected and those around them, especially if the individual used to enjoy humor. Noticing a shift in someone’s ability to recognize sarcasm or jokes is a warning sign that should be explored with a doctor.

2. Changes in Handwriting

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While minor changes in handwriting are normal as we age, a significant and noticeable shift in the way someone writes can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. The disease affects fine motor skills, which in turn makes it difficult for someone to write clearly. You may notice letters becoming shaky, smaller, or uneven in size. Individuals may also start mixing up letters or find it challenging to keep their writing aligned on the page. If someone who once had neat and legible handwriting starts to experience this decline, it’s essential to consult a medical professional.

3. Misplacing Items in Odd Places

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We all misplace items from time to time, but doing so frequently and in odd places may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. For example, someone may put their phone in the freezer or leave their keys in the bathroom. Often, they cannot retrace their steps to find these items and may accuse others of stealing or moving them. If someone begins consistently misplacing belongings in unusual locations, it’s important to pay attention. This behavior can signify cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Trouble With Problem-Solving

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Problem-solving becomes increasingly difficult for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Tasks that were once simple and routine, such as balancing a checkbook, following a recipe, or managing bills, may suddenly feel overwhelming. They might lose track of steps or get stuck on small details, making it hard for them to finish tasks. If your loved one has begun to struggle with activities that involve planning and problem-solving—especially if they were once adept at these tasks—it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.

5. Repetitive Behaviors

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People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s often develop repetitive behaviors. They may ask the same questions multiple times, repeat the same story, or engage in physically repetitive actions like pacing or tapping. This happens because the brain struggles to process and retain new information, causing the person to loop back to familiar thoughts or actions. While repetition can be a harmless habit, persistent repetitive behaviors can be an early indicator of cognitive decline and should be brought to a doctor’s attention.

6. Decrease in Personal Hygiene

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Neglecting personal hygiene, such as forgetting to shower, brush teeth, or change clothes, is another sign that could point to early Alzheimer’s. The disease often disrupts routines and daily habits, leading to lapses in self-care. While this behavior can sometimes be attributed to depression or other factors, it’s essential to rule out Alzheimer’s, especially when combined with other cognitive changes. If a person who has always been meticulous about their grooming begins to neglect these habits, it warrants further investigation.

7. Changes in Eating Habits

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Alzheimer’s can also affect a person’s eating habits. A sudden change in food preferences, such as developing a sweet tooth or eating significantly less, may be a subtle sign of the disease. Some individuals may even forget to eat altogether or lose interest in food, which can lead to weight loss. Conversely, others may overeat due to memory lapses, forgetting that they’ve already eaten. If a loved one’s eating habits change drastically and without explanation, it could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.

8. Difficulty Recognizing Faces

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One of the more distressing symptoms of Alzheimer’s is difficulty recognizing faces, even those of family members or close friends. The disease impairs the brain’s ability to recall familiar faces and associate them with memories. This can cause confusion and emotional distress for both the person with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones. If someone starts having difficulty recognizing familiar people or needs more time to place someone, it’s crucial to seek medical advice right away.

9. Difficulty Navigating Familiar Places

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Getting lost in familiar areas, such as a neighborhood or well-known route, is another early sign of Alzheimer’s. The disease affects spatial awareness and memory, causing confusion in places that were once second nature to navigate. If someone starts having difficulty following directions, gets lost while driving home from a routine errand, or forgets where they are in a familiar setting, it’s a clear red flag that should be addressed.

10. Difficulty With Coordination

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Alzheimer’s affects motor skills and coordination, making it harder for people to perform everyday tasks that involve movement. Simple activities such as walking, getting dressed, or brushing teeth may become more difficult as coordination declines. A person might stumble, fall, or drop objects more frequently. These changes can often be mistaken for aging, but when combined with other symptoms, they could be a sign of early Alzheimer’s.

11. Changes in Personality

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Personality changes are often one of the first noticeable signs of Alzheimer’s. Someone who was once outgoing and sociable may become withdrawn or anxious. Mood swings, increased irritability, or a lack of interest in hobbies they once enjoyed are common. These shifts in behavior can be upsetting for loved ones, especially when they appear suddenly. It’s essential to pay attention to such changes and seek medical advice, as they may indicate the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

12. Difficulty With Spatial Awareness

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Alongside other cognitive symptoms, people with Alzheimer’s often struggle with spatial awareness. Tasks like parking a car, climbing stairs, or even walking through a room without bumping into objects become challenging. This difficulty is a result of the brain’s declining ability to judge distance and perceive depth. If you notice someone becoming clumsy or disoriented in their environment, it could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

13. Sleep Disturbances

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Changes in sleep patterns are another early sign of Alzheimer’s. People may experience trouble falling asleep, waking frequently throughout the night, or feeling the need to sleep more during the day. Some may wander at night or develop a reversed sleep-wake cycle, staying awake all night and sleeping during the day. Sleep disturbances, combined with other cognitive symptoms, can be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s that warrants further medical investigation.

Early Detection Is Crucial

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Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s can make a significant difference in the management and progression of the disease. While these symptoms do not always mean someone has Alzheimer’s, they should not be ignored, especially if they occur consistently. Early detection allows for medical intervention that can help slow cognitive decline, and it also provides time for planning and support. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance. Early action can improve quality of life and help individuals navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

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