10 early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease and dementia

Occasional forgetfulness is normal as we age, but it can sometimes be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease, so early detection is needed to proactively control and slow the progression of the disease.

As we move into middle age, we sometimes forget where we left our keys, or aren't sure if we locked the door - seemingly normal situations of old age.

However, if forgetfulness occurs frequently, accompanied by changes in behavior, judgment or communication, it could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia.

Early recognition is key to timely diagnosis, treatment and support.

The Difference Between Alzheimer's and Dementia

Dementia is not a specific disease but a manifestation of brain function decline that causes difficulty in thinking, memory, language and behavior. Among the causes of dementia, Alzheimer's disease accounts for the highest rate, often progressing silently over many years.

People with Alzheimer’s can gradually lose the ability to retain information, process language, and make decisions. While there is no cure, early detection can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the burden on families.

10 early signs to watch out for

1. Memory loss affects daily life

It’s normal to occasionally forget where you put your keys or the names of people you know, but people with Alzheimer’s may forget recent events or ask the same questions over and over again in a short period of time. Frequent forgetfulness that interferes with daily activities is a warning sign.

Forgetfulness is one of the signs to watch out for.

2. Difficulty planning or concentrating

The condition can make it difficult to follow plans, calculate, or perform familiar tasks. Paying bills, following a recipe, or maintaining a work schedule can become confusing, distracting, and easy to abandon.

3. Having difficulty doing familiar tasks

Activities that were once easy to do, such as driving to a familiar place, using a household appliance, or playing a favorite game, become awkward. The person gradually loses the ability to perform familiar tasks, leaving them feeling confused or afraid of making mistakes.

4. Confusion about time and space

People with Alzheimer’s may forget the date, the season, or why they are in a certain place. Some people may even lose their way in familiar areas or not remember how they got there.

5. Difficulty speaking or writing

Language is clearly affected: the patient has difficulty finding the right word, stops mid-sentence, repeats himself or replaces words with phrases that have the wrong meaning. Writing also becomes disjointed, sentences lack cohesion, reflecting a disorder in language thinking.

6. Misplacing objects

In addition to temporary forgetfulness, people with Alzheimer’s often put things in incongruous places—like their wallet in the kitchen cupboard or the remote control in the refrigerator—and then forget about them completely. When they can’t find them, they may suspect someone else took them.

7. Reduced judgment

The ability to make good decisions is impaired. The person may be more likely to believe scam calls, spend money recklessly, or dress inappropriately for the weather. This change is often noticed by loved ones before the person himself.

8. Withdrawn, afraid to communicate

Changes in memory and language can make people feel self-conscious. They may withdraw from social activities, abandon hobbies or avoid meeting friends, leading to isolation and depression – factors that can accelerate the progression of the disease.

9. Changes in emotions and personality

Mood swings: irritability, suspicion, sadness or fear for no reason. A cheerful person can become cold, or conversely, a calm person can become hot-tempered and anxious. These changes are not simply due to age.

10. Reduced visual processing and spatial orientation

People with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty judging distances, recognizing faces, or estimating depth when driving. Vision loss is not just due to the eyes, but also due to the brain’s loss of the ability to process visual signals.

Who is at high risk?

Age is the biggest risk factor, experts say – most cases occur in people over 65. In addition, gender, genetics, head trauma, high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia and a sedentary lifestyle are all linked to the development of the disease.

Women are at higher risk of Alzheimer's than men.

Women are at higher risk than men, possibly due to longer lifespans or hormonal factors. People with relatives who have had Alzheimer's are also at two to three times higher risk.

In addition, habits such as smoking, lack of sleep, lack of exercise or prolonged stress all increase the possibility of nerve cell damage.

Distinguish from normal aging

Not all memory changes are cause for concern. It is normal to forget a person's name or an appointment occasionally and then remember it later as part of aging. However, if the forgetfulness is persistent and affects your work or social life, you should seek medical attention.

Another distinguishing factor is the extent to which the disease affects daily life. While normal older adults can still care for themselves, although they may sometimes forget, people with Alzheimer’s often need reminders or assistance with daily activities.

When to see a doctor?

If you or a loved one begins to experience symptoms such as disorientation, changes in behavior, or difficulty performing tasks that were once familiar, talk to your doctor. Blood tests, cognitive tests, and brain scans can help rule out other causes, such as depression, vitamin deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, or medication side effects.

Scientists have now developed a blood test that can help detect Alzheimer’s early, although it is not yet widely available. Early detection helps patients plan treatment, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments to slow the progression of dementia.

Alzheimer's is not just a story of old age but a rapidly growing public health problem. Recognizing the 10 early signs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and timely medical check-ups are the keys to helping each person proactively protect their memory and quality of life when entering middle age and old age.

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