Alzheimer’s Disease Progression Three Part Article Series
Part I: Early-Stage Symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Symptoms depend on the stage of the disease. In this three-part article series, we discuss early-stage symptoms, middle-stage symptoms, and late-stage symptoms exhibited by individuals diagnosed with AD.
In Part I of this article series, we are discussing the early signs of AD. In the early stage of AD, a person may function independently. They may still drive, work, and take part in social activities. However, maybe they’ve noticed some memory lapses, such as forgetting the location of everyday objects. Family members may have also noticed some early signs. A doctor would be able to use diagnostic tests and tools to identify symptoms more clearly.
Recognizing the early indicators of AD is crucial for early intervention and improved quality of life. Common early-stage symptoms of AD are listed below. Many of these examples are characteristic of normal aging; however, someone diagnosed with AD would experience them in a way that significantly disrupts their daily life.
Memory Loss That Affects Daily Life. One of the most common early signs of AD is memory loss. Examples include forgetting important dates or events, frequently misplacing items, or struggling to recall recently learned information. Memory lapses may become more frequent or affect the ability to function normally.
Difficulty with Problem-Solving or Planning. Alzheimer’s can impact the ability to solve problems, make plans, and complete tasks. A possible early sign of AD includes struggling to complete common tasks such as following a recipe, managing finances, or playing a game that requires logical thinking or that has lots of rules. Difficulty learning to follow a new routine may also be an early sign of AD.
Forgetting Time and Places. Another consequence of cognitive decline can be confusion regarding time and place. People with AD may lose track of dates or have trouble knowing what month it is. Getting disoriented in familiar environments or struggling to follow directions can also be warning signs.
Changes in Mood and Personality. AD can bring about changes in mood and personality such as increased irritability, anxiety, or depression. Individuals may become withdrawn from social activities they once enjoyed or show uncharacteristic shifts in behavior. They may become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things.
Challenges with Language and Communication. Struggling to find the right words or having difficulty explaining something can be early indicators of AD. Repeating the same question is also common due to memory loss.
Misplacing Objects and Difficulty Retracing Steps. Putting items in unusual places and being unable to find them is a potential early sign of AD. As the disease progresses, individuals may accuse others of stealing their belongings, unaware of their own misplaced actions.
Poor Judgment and Decision-Making. AD can impair judgment and decision-making abilities. Giving money to a stranger, walking across a busy street without waiting until it is safe to do so, falling victim to scams easily, or neglecting personal hygiene are potential examples of someone showing early signs of AD.
AD affects each person in different ways, so everyone will experience symptoms differently and progress through the stages differently. The examples provided in this article should only be used as a guide for better understanding early-stage symptoms of AD.
To explore middle-stage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, please read Part II of this article series, Alzheimer’s Disease Progression Three Part Series, Part II: Middle-Stage Symptoms.
To explore late-stage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, please read Part III of this article series, Alzheimer’s Disease Progression Three Part Series, Part III: Late-Stage Symptoms.