10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Alzheimer’s disease progresses slowly, typically moving through mild (early), moderate (middle), and severe (late) stages. Because the disease affects people differently, symptoms and their progression vary from person to person.
On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives 4–8 years after diagnosis, though some live as long as 20 years. Changes in the brain begin years before any outward signs of the disease appear — this period is known as preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
Recognizing the early warning signs can help individuals and families seek medical advice sooner, plan ahead, and access support services earlier.
Use this list as a guide to recognize when forgetfulness or confusion may be more than normal aging:
The 10 Warning Signs
1. Challenges in Solving Problems
Difficulty developing or following plans, working with numbers, or managing familiar tasks like paying bills.
2. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or repeatedly asking for the same details.
3. Confusion With Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, or forgetting where you are or how you got there.
4. New Problems With Words or Speaking
Difficulty following or joining conversations, or struggling to find the right words.
5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images
Problems reading, judging distance, or seeing color contrast — which can impact driving.
6. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
Struggling to complete daily routines at home, work, or leisure activities.
7. Misplacing Things Without Recalling
Placing items in unusual locations and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
8. Decreased or Poor Judgment
Making poor decisions about money, hygiene, or safety that differ from past behavior.
9. Withdrawal From Work or Social Activities
Avoiding hobbies, social engagements, or work projects due to memory or concentration issues.
10. Changes in Mood and Personality
Becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious — especially outside one’s comfort zone.
NEED HELP OR WANT TO LEARN MORE?
If you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease, you’re not alone. Act Now Foundation offers free programs, support groups, and educational resources for families and caregivers in Northern New Jersey.