Have you ever misplaced your keys or other belongings? Did you ever meet someone new and, within just a moment, forget his or her name? Don’t worry about these normal memory issues that everyone deals with occasionally.

However, memory loss affecting daily activities, like repeatedly forgetting appointments or getting lost while driving in familiar places, can be signs of something serious. These problematic events can signal dementia or Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. This is when Alzheimer’s care may be helpful.

Alzheimer’s disease is degenerative in nature, meaning the disease will continue to worsen over time with no good prognosis, even with the very best in Alzheimer’s care. As the disease progresses toward later stages, it becomes easier to recognize, even possibly to strangers.

The early signs may be easy to miss unless you know what you’re looking for in an aging adult.

5 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

1. Memory challenges: All of us only retain a small amount of the information we learn at any given time, but someone in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may forget even more quickly. If you notice someone asking you the same question over and over because they don’t remember your answer, it’s not a good sign.
2. Withdrawing from favorite activities: Sudden changes in activities and habits may cause concern. The adult might even remark that something doesn’t seem right but can’t explain it. He or she may withdraw from social events because of the embarrassment of lost abilities and an inability to express feelings.
3. Money issues: When an older adult pays some bills twice while others are unpaid, that’s a problem. Maintaining a checkbook, paying bills, and managing home or business expenses may seem challenging. If financial decisions seem skewed and money is given away or extravagant items are purchased that can’t be paid for, it is a major cause for concern.
4. Numerous lost items: Occasionally, lost items aren’t a big deal, but repeatedly finding items in strange places can be a red flag. Even in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, older adults may not remember where they were earlier in the day and are unable to remember, even with effort or additional time.
5. Getting lost in the neighborhood: Adults with Alzheimer’s disease sometimes find themselves lost in their own neighborhoods or other places they’ve been familiar with for years. When the grocery store or their favorite local café can’t be found, there may be a problem.

Thinking your loved one may be suffering from early Alzheimer’s is frightening. Families often deny the initial signs, but an early diagnosis can be helpful for planning future Alzheimer’s care. Call Senior Care at Home Oklahoma today to discuss an Alzheimer’s care plan for caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s.