Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While it’s often associated with older adults, early signs can appear years before a formal diagnosis. Recognizing these warning signs early can lead to timely intervention, better care planning, and improved quality of life for both individuals and their families.
Recognizing the Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s doesn’t begin with sudden, obvious memory loss. Instead, it often starts with subtle cognitive and behavioral changes that may seem like normal aging at first. Here are key early signs that should not be ignored:
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but frequent memory lapses—especially forgetting recently learned information or important dates—may signal early Alzheimer’s. Repeating questions, relying on memory aids, or needing reminders for routine tasks can indicate a deeper cognitive issue¹. At the same time, the use for tools to be more efficacious in our day-to-day should be seen as strengths and not always an indicator of a deeper cognitive challenge. The line is difficult to distinguish. Additional consultation maybe warranted when memory losses impact an individual’s ability to function on a regular basis that deviates from their typical baseline. For example, they might forget how to cook a favorite dish they’ve made nearly every week, make unusual mistakes while doing a lifelong hobby, or repeatedly ask the same question—either during the same conversation or within 30 minutes of discussing it.
2. Difficulty Planning or Problem-Solving
Alzheimer’s can impair a person’s ability to follow a plan, manage finances, or solve everyday problems. You might notice loved ones struggling with simple calculations, forgetting to pay bills, or becoming overwhelmed with step-by-step instructions².
3. Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks
People with early Alzheimer’s may find it hard to complete daily tasks they once managed with ease. Examples include forgetting the rules of a favorite game, struggling to cook familiar meals, or getting lost while driving to a well-known location³.
4. Confusion With Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time is common in early Alzheimer’s. Someone may forget where they are or how they got there, even in familiar surroundings⁴.
5. Difficulty Understanding Visual and Spatial Relationships
Vision problems can sometimes be an early sign, particularly difficulty judging distance, recognizing colors, or reading. This can make driving hazardous and cause issues with depth perception⁵.
6. New Problems With Words in Speaking or Writing
Struggling to follow or join a conversation, frequently pausing to find the right word, or calling objects by the wrong name can be indicators of cognitive decline. Early Alzheimer’s may also cause a person to lose their train of thought mid-sentence⁶. This is also a common symptom of a myriad of health conditions, other cognitive impairments, and normal aging. That’s why it’s important to consider all potential signs within the context of a person’s unique life experience, environment, and overall health. It also helps to consult both professional and informal sources to check our own biases—especially when we’re observing someone we care deeply about.
7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
Everyone misplaces items occasionally, but individuals with Alzheimer’s may place objects in unusual locations (e.g., keys in the refrigerator) and be unable to retrace their steps to find them. Over time, they may even accuse others of stealing⁷.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
Changes in judgment can appear as giving away large sums of money to telemarketers, neglecting personal hygiene, or making poor financial decisions. A person with early Alzheimer’s may also be easily influenced or fall for scams⁸.
9. Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities
A decline in cognitive function can make social interactions difficult, leading to withdrawal from hobbies, work, or social gatherings. A person may seem uninterested in activities they once enjoyed or struggle to keep up with conversations⁹.
10. Changes in Mood and Personality
Individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s often experience mood swings, increased irritability, anxiety, depression, or suspicion. They may become easily upset in unfamiliar environments or situations that require adaptation¹⁰.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical guidance. It is important to rule out any underlying biological causes that may be treatable. While Alzheimer’s cannot be cured, early detection allows for:
- Access to Treatments – Medications can help manage symptoms and slow progression¹¹.
- Lifestyle Modifications – Cognitive therapy, exercise, and a brain-healthy diet can support cognitive function¹².
- Care Planning – Families can make informed decisions about care options, legal matters, and future needs.
Support for Families Navigating Alzheimer’s
At Vital Aging NYC, we specialize in geriatric care management, helping families navigate the complexities of Alzheimer’s care. Whether you need help with care planning, medical advocacy, or family mediation, our concierge-level support ensures you have expert guidance at every stage.
Concerned About a Loved One? Let’s Talk.
If you’ve noticed early signs of Alzheimer’s in a family member, don’t wait. Contact Vital Aging NYC today for a consultation and take the first step toward compassionate, expert care.
Reference List
- Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Retrieved from Alzheimer’s Association website.
- Jack, C. R., Bennett, D. A., Blennow, K., et al. (2018). NIA-AA Research Framework: Toward a biological definition of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 14(4), 535-562.
- Sperling, R. A., Aisen, P. S., Beckett, L. A., et al. (2011). Toward defining the preclinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease: Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 7(3), 280-292.
- McKhann, G. M., Knopman, D. S., Chertkow, H., et al. (2011). The diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease: Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 7(3), 263-269.
- Petersen, R. C., Caracciolo, B., Brayne, C., et al. (2014). Mild cognitive impairment: a concept in evolution. Journal of Internal Medicine, 275(3), 214-228.
- Dubois, B., Hampel, H., Feldman, H. H., et al. (2016). Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease: Definition, natural history, and diagnostic criteria. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 12(3), 292-323.
- Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., et al. (2020). Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The Lancet, 396(10248), 413-446.
- Cummings, J., Lee, G., Nahed, P., et al. (2022). Alzheimer’s disease drug development pipeline: 2022. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 8(1), e12396.
- Wilson, R. S., Segawa, E., Boyle, P. A., et al. (2012). The natural history of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. Psychology and Aging, 27(4), 1008-1017.
- Small, B. J., Fratiglioni, L., Viitanen, M., et al. (2000). The course of cognitive impairment in preclinical Alzheimer disease: Three- and 6-year follow-up of a population-based sample. Archives of Neurology, 57(6), 839-844.
- Howard, R., McShane, R., Lindesay, J., et al. (2012). Donepezil and memantine for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(10), 893-903.
- Ngandu, T., Lehtisalo, J., Solomon, A., et al. (2015). A 2-year multidomain intervention of diet, exercise, cognitive training, and vascular risk monitoring versus control to prevent cognitive decline in at-risk elderly people (FINGER): a randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 385(9984), 2255-2263.