10 Warning Signs You May Have Alzheimer's, Says CDC
People with one or more of these symptoms should see a doctor to find the cause.
Alzheimer's disease is a devastating and progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. As the leading cause of dementia in older adults, it poses a significant public health challenge. Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer's is crucial for timely intervention and care. "Memory often changes as people grow older," says the CDC. "Some people notice changes in themselves before anyone else does. For other people, friends and family are the first to see changes in memory, behavior, or abilities. People with one or more of these major warning signs should see a doctor to find the cause. Early diagnosis gives them a chance to seek treatment and plan for the future." Read on to learn about warning symptoms.
Like "forgetting events, repeating yourself or relying on more aids to help you remember (like sticky notes or reminders)," says the CDC.
Like "having trouble paying bills or cooking recipes you have used for years," says the CDC.
Like "having problems with cooking, driving places, using a cell phone, or shopping," says the CDC.
Like "having trouble understanding an event that is happening later, or losing track of dates," says the CDC.
Like "having more difficulty with balance or judging distance, tripping over things at home, or spilling or dropping things more often," says the CDC.
Like "having trouble following or joining a conversation or struggling to find a word you are looking for (saying 'that thing on your wrist that tells time' instead of 'watch')," says the CDC.
Like "placing car keys in the washer or dryer or not being able to retrace steps to find something," says the CDC.
Like "being a victim of a scam, not managing money well, paying less attention to hygiene, or having trouble taking care of a pet," per the CDC.
Like "not wanting to go to church or other activities as you usually do, not being able to follow football games or keep up with what's happening," according to the CDC.
Like "getting easily upset in common situations or being fearful or suspicious," says the CDC.
Tony Bennett, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016 and passed away at age 96, once tweeted, "Life is a gift—even with Alzheimer's." But remember: "Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging," says the CDC. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a medical professional. "More than half of people with memory loss have not talked to their healthcare provider, but that doesn't have to be you. Get comfortable with starting a dialogue with your medical provider if you observe any changes in memory or an increase in confusion, or just if you have any questions."
