EP 21: Think It’s Just Forgetfulness? It Could Be One of These 7 Alzheimer’s Signs
“The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names.”– Confucius
Anna noticed something unusual about her dad. He kept asking the same questions—over and over—about things they had just talked about. He misplaced his wallet in the laundry basket and couldn’t remember how it got there. And he even stopped going to his weekly chess club, something he had loved for years.
At first, Anna thought these changes were just part of getting older. But as they became more frequent and more noticeable, she knew something wasn’t quite right. What Anna didn’t realize was that her dad was showing the early, silent signs of Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s doesn’t announce itself with big, obvious symptoms. It creeps in quietly, showing small signs that are easy to dismiss or overlook. But recognizing these signs early can make all the difference for you or someone you love.
In this post, we’ll walk through what Alzheimer’s is, the silent symptoms to watch for, and what you can do if you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one.
What Is Alzheimer’s? Why Early Signs Matter
Think of your brain as a library, filled with books that hold your memories, skills, and knowledge. When Alzheimer’s begins, it’s like someone misplacing books or tearing out pages. At first, it might just be one or two books, but over time, entire shelves can be emptied.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It’s the most common cause of dementia and starts long before noticeable symptoms appear.
Why does catching it early matter? Because Alzheimer’s can’t be cured, but early detection allows for:
- Starting treatments that may slow the disease’s progression.
- Making lifestyle changes to support brain health.
- Planning for the future with your family and loved ones.
It’s like noticing a small leak in your roof. If you catch it early, you can fix it before it causes major damage.
The 7 Silent Signs of Alzheimer’s
Here are seven subtle but important signs to watch for. These are changes that go beyond normal aging and could indicate the start of Alzheimer’s.
1. Forgetting Recently Learned Information
It’s normal to occasionally forget where you left your keys. But with Alzheimer’s, it’s more than that—it’s consistently forgetting conversations, names, or events that just happened.
Example: Anna’s dad kept asking her what time her birthday dinner was, even though they had just discussed it an hour earlier.
2. Trouble Finding the Right Words
We all occasionally struggle to find the right word. But someone with early Alzheimer’s may frequently pause during conversations or substitute vague descriptions for simple words.
Example: Instead of saying “car,” they might say, “the thing you drive.”
This can make communication frustrating for both the person and their loved ones.
3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
Tasks that used to be easy may suddenly feel overwhelming or confusing. This might include forgetting the steps to follow a recipe, getting lost while driving to a familiar location, or struggling to pay bills.
Example: Anna’s dad, who loved baking, forgot how to measure flour for his favorite cake recipe.
4. Poor Judgment or Decision-Making
Alzheimer’s can affect how the brain processes risks and evaluates situations. This might show up as wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather, giving away large sums of money to scams, or neglecting personal hygiene.
Example: Anna’s dad once went outside wearing a T-shirt and shorts in the middle of winter.
5. Misplacing Items in Unusual Places
We all misplace things sometimes. But someone with early Alzheimer’s may put everyday items in strange places—like leaving their wallet in the fridge or their glasses in the pantry—and then be unable to retrace their steps.
Example: Anna found her dad’s car keys in the laundry basket, and he had no memory of how they got there.
6. Withdrawal from Social or Work Activities
People with Alzheimer’s might start avoiding hobbies, work projects, or social gatherings. They may feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, or unable to keep up with conversations or tasks they once enjoyed.
Example: Anna’s dad stopped going to his weekly chess club because he couldn’t remember how to play.
7. Changes in Mood or Personality
Someone with Alzheimer’s may experience unexplained mood swings, anxiety, or even paranoia. They might become irritable or suspicious of loved ones.
Example: Anna’s dad accused her of stealing his car keys when he couldn’t find them. These personality changes can be one of the most distressing signs for family members.
Why Early Detection Is Critical
Catching Alzheimer’s early can make a significant difference. Here’s why:
- Treatment Options: While there’s no cure, certain medications and therapies can help slow the progression of symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes: Improving diet, exercise, and mental stimulation can help protect brain health.
- Family Planning: Early detection gives families time to prepare for the future, make legal and financial arrangements, and explore care options.
- Quality of Life: Understanding what’s happening can reduce frustration for both the person and their loved ones.
Think of Alzheimer’s like a fire. The sooner you catch the spark, the easier it is to control.
What You Can Do if You Notice These Signs
If you or a loved one is showing these signs, here are some steps you can take:
1. Talk to a Doctor
Schedule an appointment for a full evaluation. A doctor can rule out other conditions and provide a diagnosis if necessary.
2. Track Symptoms
Keep a journal of memory lapses, mood changes, or unusual behaviors. This will help the doctor understand what’s happening.
3. Eat for Brain Health
Focus on a brain-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, which includes leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, nuts, and olive oil.
4. Stay Active
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain and can promote the growth of new brain cells. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day.
5. Challenge Your Brain
Engage in puzzles, reading, or learning new skills to keep your brain sharp.
How to Support a Loved One
If someone you care about is showing signs of Alzheimer’s:
- Be Patient: Understand that their behavior is part of the disease, not who they are.
- Communicate Clearly: Use simple language and repeat information if needed.
- Encourage Healthy Habits: Help them stay active, eat well, and engage in social activities.
- Seek Support: Join caregiver support groups or talk to professionals who can provide guidance.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s starts with silent signs that are easy to miss but important to recognize. By catching these symptoms early, you can take steps to slow the disease’s progression and improve quality of life for you or your loved one.
If you’ve noticed these signs in yourself or someone close to you, don’t wait—talk to a doctor and take action today. Share this post with someone who might need it. Awareness is the first step to fighting Alzheimer’s. Together, we can make a difference.
