Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are much more complex than they first appear. These conditions are well-known for how they affect a person’s memory. However, the symptoms are sometimes even more subtle, and without professional support, dementia can worsen.
Early intervention makes all the difference—this is the key to helping your loved one maintain their quality of life. To recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, look for:
- Memory problems that interrupt daily life
- Difficulty planning and solving problems
- Confusion about time and place
- Challenges in understanding visual information
- Trouble with speech and writing
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Recognizable personality changes
Memory Problems That Interrupt Daily Life
One of the hallmark early signs of dementia is ongoing memory loss. Forgetting little things occasionally is normal for most of us, but if it significantly affects daily life, it becomes a problem.
Watch for daily challenges, such as:
- Forgetting recently learned information repeatedly.
- Misplacing items in unusual places, like keys in the fridge.
- Asking the same questions over and over, even after receiving answers.
For example, your loved one might forget an important event, such as a family gathering, or constantly ask about tasks that have already been completed. These patterns shouldn’t be ignored.
Difficulty Planning & Solving Problems
You might notice your loved one struggling with tasks that used to be simple. Cognitive functions like organizing and problem-solving are often disrupted in the early stages of dementia. Some common problems include:
- Trouble managing bills or keeping track of monthly expenses.
- Struggling to follow a recipe they’ve used for years.
- Feeling overwhelmed by tasks that require focus and decisions.
If your loved one is withdrawing from these responsibilities, it may be more than just the natural effects of aging. It could point to a decline in cognitive function.
Confusion About Time & Place
Losing track of time occasionally happens to everyone, but persistent disorientation can indicate Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. However, this can be difficult to recognize. Watch for common signs, such as:
- Forgetting the year, month, or even the day.
- Feeling confused about where they are or how they got there.
- Difficulty understanding schedules or sequences of events.
For instance, if your loved one gets lost on what was once a familiar route, it’s time to investigate further. This can quickly lead to your loved one finding themself in dangerous situations, and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Challenges Understanding Visual Information
Some types of dementia can affect vision and spatial awareness. This can quickly make everyday activities more challenging. You can identify this by looking for:
- Difficulty judging distances or depth perception.
- Trouble recognizing familiar objects or faces.
- Spilling or knocking over items due to misjudging placement.
- Getting confused by patterns or reflections.
- Struggling with reading or interpreting written text.
These symptoms may not seem tied to cognitive decline at first. However, they do signal deeper issues, and they indicate that your loved one should visit a healthcare professional.
Trouble with Speech & Writing
Communication changes are another tell-tale sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved one may find it harder to articulate their thoughts, words, or writing habits. Watch for:
- Talking in circles or forgetting the topic mid-sentence.
- Calling objects by the wrong name, such as a “hand clock” for a watch.
- Misusing or forgetting words entirely during conversations.
These shifts tend to be subtle at first. However, if you notice them more over time, it’s time to act.
Withdrawal from Social Activities
One subtle but important early symptom of dementia is social withdrawal. Changes in behavior or self-esteem may make someone hesitant about socializing. Your loved one may:
- Lose interest in hobbies or distant relationships.
- Shy away from gatherings, even with family or close friends.
- Become increasingly reserved or quiet.
If your loved one is avoiding activities they once enjoyed, they could be compensating for cognitive decline or feeling embarrassed by new challenges.
Recognizable Personality Changes
Shifts in mood and personality can be an unexpected result of dementia. People might become uncharacteristically emotional or start acting differently socially. Pay attention to signs your loved one is struggling, such as:
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Increased irritability or anger.
- Sudden anxiety or nervousness.
- Unusual suspicion or paranoia.
Noticing these changes earlier rather than later is key to offering care and emotional support.
A Supportive Team You Can Trust
A dementia diagnosis can feel daunting at first. However, your family isn’t alone. Early detection makes it easier to find your loved one the care they deserve—and our team at Shalom Gardens is ready to help.
If your loved one is showcasing signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, contact our team. The sooner you identify symptoms like memory loss, planning challenges, or vision issues, the sooner we can help provide care and solutions.
Schedule a visit with our team today, and let’s help your loved one live the life they deserve.
