The beginning signs of Alzheimer’s disease are sometimes subtle. It is often a relative or someone close to an individual who notices the first changes in behavior. Short term memory loss is usually the first sign. Mood swings, becoming easily confused or getting lost, and speaking more slowly are all examples of early symptoms. It is important, however, to differentiate between simple forgetfulness and memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s. Memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s is often more permanent, such as forgetting how to drive a car or not remembering an entire experience or person. During the early phase of the disease, Alzheimer’s usually does not affect fine motor skills or sense of touch. If a person does experience these symptoms before memory loss, they may be suffering from another condition other than Alzheimer’s. 

Over time, memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s will gradually worsen and eventually progress to the individual having severe mental and functional problems. Death after the onset of the disease is projected to happen within 8-10 years. The Alzheimer’s Association has identified a number of specific warning signs that may help an individual identify the disease. Memory loss, as previously mentioned, is one of the more prominent symptoms and occurs in stages. Individuals may also have trouble planning and solving problems or experience difficulty when trying to complete a familiar task such as sewing or playing a favorite game. Confusion with determining place and time and understanding visual images is also common. Reading may become difficult. New problems may present themselves in speaking and writing, and they may misplace things without being able to retrace their steps. Poor judgment and personality changes may also exist, with rapid mood swings and withdrawal from social activities and other interests being examples of this. 

Symptoms that do not always occur but may indeed exist during the middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease is holding firmly held beliefs or delusions about certain ideas or people and becoming increasingly impulsive or violent. The patient may also have trouble completing everyday tasks such as going to the bathroom. In the late stages of disease, patients lose all abilities to care for themselves. They will have difficulty swallowing and will be unable to walk, communicate, or smile. 

While the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are indeed tragic and uncomfortable, medications and therapies are available to help with the discomfort and slow down the progression.