What Alzheimer’s looks like?

Alzheimer’s is often difficult to detect in its early stages.  Because it is degenerative, by the time that a person recognizes that themselves or their family member could have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis it is too late to get back much of what has been lost. Very early stages of Alzheimer's can look like normal forgetfulness in people who are getting older. Your family members might have memory lapses, including the inability to recall people’s names that they have known for years.  They may forget where they have left their keys or get confused on a usual route, but they can still drive, work and be social. However, these memory lapses become more frequent. Memory problems are just the first and most common initial signs of cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's disease. Reduced function in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as word-finding, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease.   Later as the disease progresses, a person tends to have more difficulty making sense of the world around them. They may have trouble handling money or paying their bills.  It may take them longer to complete normal tasks or they may repeat questions that they have asked several times.  They may have increased anxiety or agitation and this can continue to the later stages of the disease.

In more moderate stages of the disease the person may have the inability to learn new things.  They may recall with clarity things that happened many years ago but cannot retain information from recent events.  Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia are also part of this stage. Individuals in this stage have difficulty focusing, due to a shorter attention span.  They have difficulty carrying out tasks that require multiple steps.  Your loved one may tend to be impulsive and out of character from what you are used to seeing them in.  They may use vulgar language or dress in an inappropriate way.  They may also have little filter and say things that would ordinarily be out of character for them . 

By the time Alzheimer’s reaches a state that it is severe their symptoms may decompensate severely.  They may not have the ability to communicate.  They may have lost significant weight and increased sleeping.  There is a possibility of seizures or skin infections and the person can develop pneumonia because they are not getting the nourishment that they need and are not as active as they need to be.  If you believe that you have a loved one showing any of the signs of Alzheimer’s be notified by their primary care doctor as soon as possible  and try not to leave them alone if care can be provided.