Forgetfulness or Something More? Understanding the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s
Forgetting someone’s name, walking into a room and wondering why you went there, or occasionally misplacing your keys happens to almost everyone.
As we get older, some changes in memory can also be a normal part of ageing.
But when memory problems become more frequent, begin interfering with everyday activities or are accompanied by changes in thinking, language, behaviour or judgement, they deserve closer attention.
For World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September, we look at the difference between ordinary forgetfulness and signs that may need to be discussed with a healthcare professional.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder and one of the most common causes of dementia.
Dementia is a broader term used to describe a decline in memory, thinking and other cognitive abilities that is significant enough to affect a person’s ability to manage everyday life.
Not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer’s disease, and not every memory problem is caused by dementia.
There are many possible reasons someone may experience changes in memory or concentration, which is why a proper medical assessment is important.
Isn’t forgetfulness just part of getting older?
Some mild changes in memory can happen with normal ageing.
You might occasionally forget a person’s name but remember it later, misplace something and retrace your steps to find it, or need more time to remember information.
More concerning changes tend to be persistent and begin interfering with normal daily life.
For example, forgetting an appointment occasionally is different from repeatedly forgetting important appointments even when reminders have been provided.
Similarly, temporarily forgetting where you left your car is different from becoming confused about where you are in a familiar place.
Early signs that may need attention
Alzheimer’s disease does not look exactly the same in everyone, but memory difficulties are often among the earliest noticeable symptoms.
Possible early signs can include:
- Frequently forgetting recently learned information
- Repeating the same questions or stories
- Increasingly relying on others to remember things that were previously managed independently
- Difficulty planning or solving familiar problems
- Struggling to manage bills or finances
- Losing track of dates or time
- Becoming confused in familiar surroundings
- Difficulty finding the right words during conversation
- Misplacing objects and being unable to retrace steps
- Changes in judgement or decision-making
- Withdrawing from hobbies, work or social activities
- Noticeable changes in mood or personality
Experiencing one of these symptoms does not automatically mean someone has Alzheimer’s disease.
The overall pattern, how long the symptoms have been present and how much they are affecting everyday functioning are important.
Memory is not the only thing that can change
Alzheimer’s is often thought of simply as “memory loss”, but other abilities can also be affected.
A person may begin having difficulty following conversations, finding the correct word or completing a task they have done many times before.
They may struggle with planning, problem-solving or judging distances.
Family members may also notice behavioural or personality changes.
Someone who was previously confident and social may become withdrawn, anxious or unusually suspicious.
These changes can be confusing for both the individual and the people close to them.
What else can cause memory problems?
There are several reasons someone may experience forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating that are not Alzheimer’s disease.
Possible causes can include:
- Stress
- Anxiety or depression
- Poor-quality sleep
- Certain medications
- Alcohol use
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Thyroid disorders
- Infections
- Hearing or vision problems
- Other neurological conditions
This is another reason why self-diagnosing dementia based on memory problems alone is not recommended.
Some causes of cognitive changes may be treatable.
When should you speak to a healthcare professional?
Consider seeking medical advice if memory or thinking problems:
- Are becoming progressively worse
- Interfere with work or household responsibilities
- Affect the ability to manage medication or finances
- Lead to confusion in familiar places
- Affect communication
- Cause noticeable personality or behavioural changes
- Are concerning family members or close friends
It can be useful for a family member or someone who knows the person well to attend an assessment, as they may have noticed changes that the person experiencing them has not.
Sudden confusion is different
Alzheimer’s disease usually develops gradually.
A person who suddenly becomes confused, disorientated or significantly different from their usual self needs prompt medical assessment.
Sudden confusion may have another cause, such as an infection, medication reaction, low blood sugar or another acute medical problem.
If confusion appears suddenly alongside symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, severe headache or loss of balance, seek emergency medical care as these may be signs of a stroke.
How is Alzheimer’s disease assessed?
There is no single simple test that tells a healthcare professional everything they need to know.
An assessment may involve questions about:
- Memory and thinking
- Changes in everyday functioning
- Medical history
- Current medication
- Mood and mental health
- Family observations
A healthcare professional may also perform cognitive assessments and physical examinations.
Blood tests or other investigations may be requested to look for other possible causes of memory problems.
In some cases, brain imaging or assessment by a specialist may also be recommended.
Why early assessment matters
People are sometimes reluctant to discuss memory changes because they fear receiving a diagnosis.
But avoiding the issue does not make the symptoms disappear.
An assessment may identify another health problem that can be treated.
And where dementia is diagnosed, identifying it earlier can give the person and their family more time to understand the condition, consider treatment options, plan future care and put practical support in place.
Supporting someone experiencing memory changes
Watching someone you care about struggle with memory can be difficult.
Try to approach the subject calmly rather than confronting or correcting them constantly.
Helpful support may include:
- Keeping regular routines
- Using calendars and reminders
- Keeping frequently used items in consistent places
- Helping manage appointments and medication
- Encouraging physical activity where appropriate
- Maintaining social interaction
- Making the home environment safer
- Attending healthcare appointments together when the person is comfortable with this
Caregivers also need support.
Looking after someone with dementia can become emotionally and physically demanding, particularly as the condition progresses.
Brain health is part of overall health
There is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but looking after your overall health remains important throughout life.
Regular physical activity, managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, maintaining social connections, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol intake and looking after hearing and vision all contribute to healthier ageing.
Most importantly, do not dismiss persistent cognitive changes simply because someone is getting older.
Speak to a TruMD healthcare professional
If you are concerned about changes in your own memory or have noticed worrying changes in someone close to you, TruMD gives you convenient access to qualified healthcare professionals online.
You can discuss the symptoms, how long they have been present and any other health concerns.
Where cognitive testing, blood tests, an in-person examination or specialist assessment is required, your healthcare professional can advise you on the appropriate next step.
Occasional forgetfulness is common. Persistent changes that interfere with everyday life deserve attention.
Starting the conversation early can help you understand what is happening and what to do next.
