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Alzheimer’s disease is devastating. It affects everyone from the person who actually has it to their extended family. It can be excruciating to watch someone go from a vital, active person to not recognizing other people or remembering how to do routine chores. Alzheimer’s patients need loving affection and continuous care. Dealing with the disease can be hard for the patient, as well as for their caregivers. You should see a doctor if you suspect that you or someone you know is showing signs of the disease. Here are seven signs of Alzheimer’s disease to watch for.

Memory Loss

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is loss of memory. Almost everyone goes through some form of memory loss as they age. It’s not unusual to have lapses in memory at various times. It is part of the aging process, which can make diagnosing Alzheimer’s difficult. Alzheimer’s is often mistaken for the normal signs of aging. However, with Alzheimer’s, the memory loss becomes extreme, especially short-term memory. If you or someone you know is having trouble remembering dates, times, and places, particularly if they were recently talking or reading about something connected to those things, then it may be a warning sign—especially if the memory loss becomes disruptive, and/or continues for an extended period of time.

Confusion

Becoming easily confused over seemingly simple matters is another sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The type of confusion associated with Alzheimer’s goes beyond the normal distracted confusion almost everyone experiences from time to time. An Alzheimer’s patient may actually put themselves in danger due to their confused state. Confusion could range from anything like forgetting what day it is, or even what time of the year. Alzheimer’s patients have been known to take long walks and forget how to get back or leave the house dressed for a hot summer day when it’s freezing outside.

Routine Chores

An Alzheimer’s patient could have trouble remembering how to do routine chores, including things they’ve done every day throughout their lifetime. They could forget how to bake a cake, brush their teeth, or wash a load of clothes. Alzheimer’s sufferers sometimes begin a routine task but don’t complete it. They may start to run water in a sink with the intention of washing the dishes, then for no reason whatsoever simply walk away and leave the water running.

Losing Things

Constantly having to look for things they use everyday could be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s. Some people are obsessive about putting things where they belong, so they’ll know where they are, while others simply put things down in a convenient place and forget about them until they’re needed again. No matter whether you fit into one of these categories, or are somewhere in between, an extreme change in the pattern could be a warning sign. If you notice someone that you suddenly can’t seem to remember where they put something, and it happens repeatedly, it could be a warning sign of Alzheimer’s, especially if it’s something you need, like a driver’s license or a bottle of prescription medication.

Poor Judgment

People with Alzheimer’s may develop poor judgment patterns. They may begin taking chances they normally wouldn’t, such as trying to cross a busy street without noticing oncoming traffic. They may also exhibit poor judgment with money and begin giving it away to unlikely sources. Someone with Alzheimer’s may start paying less attention to how they look, or their immediate surroundings. They could walk out to get the morning paper dressed only in their underwear or show up at a family get-together in pajamas.

Mood Changes

Someone that is developing Alzheimer’s disease may start to exhibit changes in their personality. Mood swings aren’t uncommon, especially sudden changes from happy to sad, or contented to angry, without any discernable reason. Alzheimer’s sufferers may become unnecessarily angry or anxious. They could be unusually fearful or become depressed, or overly suspicious, when there isn’t a recognizable cause for the change. These kinds of abrupt changes could be cause for alarm, especially if they’re ongoing.

Concentration

Alzheimer’s sufferers could show signs of not being able to concentrate for very long. They may lose their train of thought for no apparent reason. Beginning sentences and then having their mind wander to the point where they don’t complete the thought isn’t unusual for an Alzheimer’s sufferer. They may begin a task and not complete it or hang up the telephone in the middle of a conversation.

For more information about Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s care, see SeniorCare.net.

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