Alzheimer's: Warning signs other than memory loss

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's disease and the one sign that gets the most attention is memory loss. However, memory loss is only one sign that may indicate Alzheimer's disease. There are a bunch of other subtle signs that are often overlooked.

It's not uncommon for people experiencing problems with their memory to postpone seeing a doctor, perhaps out of fear or because it's easy to dismiss changes in memory or behaviour as a problem of 'old age'.

Unfortunately drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease, which slows the progression of the disease, need to start early on. So if you think you or a loved one has problems with memory loss or any of the following signs see your doctor straight away.

Families often comment after a diagnosis that in retrospect the signs were all their years ago. It can be second nature for a long term partner to jump in and finish a partner's sentence and it's just as easy for people with dementia to develop the skills to live with or even hide their problems.

Doctors too only spend a short period of time with a person and may not pick up on subtle changes. Don't be afraid to talk about the little things you've noticed that are now causing disruptions in your daily life.

Remember that Alzheimer's disease affects everyone differently and not everyone will exhibit the same signs. But if you think something is not quite right than chances are your probably right.

So what are the other signs that may indicate Alzheimer's disease? What's normal and what's not?

Warning Signs

• Memory loss that disrupts everyday life - It's normal to forget occasional names of people and places (we usually remember them later). It's not normal to forget important names of people close to us or the name of the street where we live. Repeating the same information over and over or forgetting how to do simple things like the washing up or using a telephone.
   
• Changes in problem solving or planning - It's normal to make the odd mistake in calculation but it's not normal to forget what the numbers mean or how to use a cheque book.
   
• Normal everyday tasks become difficult- It's normal to have problems following a difficult recipe but someone with Alzheimer's may have problems making a simple sandwich.
   
• Confusion about time and place- It's normal to forget the name of a place but someone with Alzheimer's may forget how to find their way home or get lost in a familiar place like a local shopping centre.They may lose track of time and dates.
   
• Problems with language- It's normal to have a word at the tip of your tongue but not normal to forget the meanings of words. People with Alzheimer's forget the names of simple objects, stop during a sentence or repeat the same story over and over. They may have problems writing. 
   
• Poor or decreased judgement- It's normal to make a bad decision on occasion but people with Alzheimer's may spend large sums of money on inappropriate things, repeatedly give money away to telemarketers or charity or pay a handyman for work not done. They may wear winter clothes on a hot summers day.
   
• Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships-  It's normal to have changes in vision as we age but people with Alzheimer's may have trouble recognising colours and determining contrasts. They may not recognise their own image in a mirror and think it's someone else. 
   
• Misplace common objects-  It's normal to forget where you put the keys but it's not normal to put the keys in the fridge or store the oranges in the oven. People with Alzheimer's find it hard to retrace their steps. They may hide or hoard things or accuse family of stealing valuable objects.
   
• Withdraw from social outings- It's normal to not feel like socialising sometimes. People with Alzheimer's may withdraw from their usual hobbies or social get- togethers. They may be embarrassed by memory changes or have problems keeping up with friends in conversation or sport.
   
• Personality and behaviour changes- It's normal to feel sad or fearful sometimes. Alzheimer's can cause changes in a person's personality. They may say things that are out of character, behave in unsual ways, become overly suspicious or appear flat. People with Alzheimer's can also become anxious and upset when put in uncomfortable or new situations. 

Based on the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease by the US Alzheimer's Association
Visit Alzheimer's Australia for more information on the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.