Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's starts slowing down and gets worse over time. Sufferers may not recognize family members and have trouble speaking, reading, or writing. Eventually, they may become aggressive or wander away from home. Ultimately, complete care will be needed.

What are the Signs?

There are warning signs and symptoms; if you notice any of them, please contact your doctor.

• Memory Loss
  One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss; especially forgetting recently learned information like forgetting conversations and events that just happened. People with Alzheimer's routinely need to rely on memory aids. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
• Rambling Speech or Trouble Coming Up With the Right Words
  People with Alzheimer's may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems coming up with the right words or call things by the wrong name.
• Confusion About Time
  People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates and the general passage of time.
• Changes in Personality
  The personality of a person with Alzheimer's can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or aggressive. They may be easily upset in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
• Paranoia
  Paranoid delusions, such as thinking a family member or caregiver is trying to hurt them.

Is it Normal Aging?

Every individual may experience one or more of these signs in a different degree as they get older. Occasionally forgetting a name or why they walked into a room is normal and doesn't necessarily the person has Alzheimer's. There are other medical conditions that can cause the similar symptoms, such as:

• Drug Abuse
• Combining Certain Medications
• Parkinson's Disease
• Thyroid problems
• Stress
• Depression

If you think you notice the signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or a loved one, the best thing to do is to speak with your doctor.