The Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Should Watch For

The early signs of Alzheimer’s disease sometimes go unnoticed by caregivers, loved ones and friends. Whether you, your spouse, a parent or friend is showing the following indications of Alzheimer’s disease, you should record your observations and share them with a doctor. Early recognition of the condition can help the patient and their loved ones adjust and cope, and will also keep them safe.

Unusual Forgetfulness

One of the primary early signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss that affects a person’s daily life. They might begin repeating themselves or asking the same questions over and over. They may need to rely on memory aids to help remind them about appointments and events they would otherwise remember well.

Sudden Mood Changes or Depression

Alzheimer’s disease can cause abrupt mood swings. The patient may feel confused and anxious seemingly without cause. They may become upset over minor details that wouldn’t have bothered them in the past. They can also develop depression. Depression in older patients does not always mean it is an early sign of Alzheimer’s, but it can increase the risk, according to some studies.

Difficulty Completing Daily Tasks

If you or a loved one starts having trouble completing tasks in a daily routine, such as cooking a meal or driving to a favorite spot, it might be time to visit the doctor. One of the early signs of Alzheimer’s is when you begin to find it challenging to do things you normally do without thinking, taking longer to complete basic tasks.

Loss of Good Judgment

One of the key early signs of Alzheimer’s is when it becomes difficult to manage money or make smart financial decisions. The patient may begin mismanaging their budget, forgetting to pay certain bills or irrationally giving away large sums of money to salesmen, telemarketers, or organizations.

Communication Challenges

The patient might begin to have difficulty finding the words to describe their thoughts. They might have to pause mid-conversation in order to think about what they were going to say, or what they are trying to say.

Losing Interest in Hobbies and Social Activities

Since Alzheimer’s disease make some feel isolated and alone, they may slowly begin to withdraw from their social circle. They might neglect participating in hobbies that used to excite them. They may feel embarrassed by their sudden inability to perform or interact and begin to keep to themselves.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are medications that can reduce symptoms. If you have questions about what your current health insurance covers when it’s time to address the early signs of Alzheimer’s, contact My Senior Health Plan for professional assistance from a team of friendly insurance experts.