How to Spot Alzheimer’s Disease Early

Everyone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will have different experiences, as it’s an individualised condition that doesn’t follow an identical pattern. Symptoms will vary but may have some elements in common, such as memory problems, language difficulties and changes in perception, behaviour or emotions. They also vary depending on the stage.

Early-Stage Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Memory problems

Probably the most well-known of all symptoms, and usually the first and main symptom in Alzheimer’s disease, memory problems include forgetting where things have been placed, and not being able to recall recent events. They may also get lost in an area that was previously familiar to them.

Difficulties in planning and communication

Planning may become more difficult for the person and they may become confused more easily. They may struggle to plan or manage their finances. Problem-solving and communication may also become more difficult, for instance, they may not be able to find the right word or follow conversations.

Visual-perceptual difficulties

Judging distances may become more difficult in early-stage Alzheimer’s, for instance, when using stairs. These differ from visual hallucinations that some people experience in the early stages of other types of dementia, which can include hallucinations of people and animals, delusions and misperceptions.

Changes in mood or emotion

In the early stages people can be at risk of depression caused by anxiety, being frightened or sadness. They may become more irritable too, which can occur due to frustration at the changes taking place. They may also become withdrawn, experience diminishing self-confidence and lose interest in things they used to enjoy.

Mid-Stage Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

In addition to the symptoms experienced in the early stages, all of which may deteriorate as time goes on, the person may experience:

Delusions

In mid-stage Alzheimer’s the person may strongly believe that other people are attempting to harm them or that people they always believed in are no longer trustworthy. This paranoia can take many forms, such as believing their partner is being unfaithful or that someone they know is stealing from them.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations may also begin at this stage of Alzheimer’s, more commonly so than in other forms of dementia. They may see and hear things that aren’t there, causing them to feel fearful, angry or upset, often unpredictably. They may also react strongly to their loss of independence and difficulty communicating.

Late-Stage Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

As well as the symptoms worsening that were present in early and mid-stage Alzheimer’s, additional symptoms may begin to appear.

Aggression

This may occur in mid-stages but can grow worse in later-stage Alzheimer’s. Often a reaction to personal care, the person may feel scared, confused or unsafe and react by shouting or lashing out at the caregiver. They may also appear restless, as if they’re looking for something or someone.

Physical difficulties

Physical ability will likely deteriorate resulting in more help needed in their daily life. The person may be at increased risk of falls, have difficulty with swallowing, lose control of their bladder and bowels and spend more time in bed or a chair. This can increase the risk of blood clots and infections and should be monitored closely.