10 warning signs of Alzheimer's

Memory loss, confusion, and disorientation are not part of normal aging; they're symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or some other brain disorder. But many disconcerting mental lapses are actually nothing to worry about. The following checklist, developed by the Alzheimer's Association, will help you distinguish dementia from normal failings:

[1] Recent memory loss that affects job skills. It's normal to forget assignments occasionally and then remember them later. Someone with dementia may forget more often and not remember later.

[2] Difficulty with familiar tasks. Anyone can have trouble balancing a checkbook. But someone with dementia might forget what to do with the numbers or even what the numbers mean.

[3] Problems with language. Everyone has trouble finding the right words sometimes, but a person with dementia may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate ones, making a sentence incomprehensible.

[4] Disorientation of time and place. It's normal to forget the day of the week or your destination for a moment. People with dementia can become lost on their own street, not knowing where they are or how they got there.

[5] Poor or decreased judgment. Anyone might forget to wear gloves on a cold day. Someone with dementia can forget a coat or even pants.

[6] Problems with abstract thinking. Convoluted arguments can elude anyone. But even simple proverbs or familiar sayings can puzzle someone with dementia.

[7] Misplacing things. Anyone can misplace a Wallet or keys. A person with dementia may put things in bizarre places--an iron in the freezer, for example.

[8] Mood or behavior changes. Everyone becomes sad or moody from time to time. Someone with dementia can swing abruptly from calm to tears to anger, for no apparent reason.

[9] Personality changes. Personality traits sometimes shift with age. But a person with dementia can change drastically, becoming hostile, suspicious, or fearful.

[10] Loss of initiative. It's normal to tire of everyday duties, but most people regain their initiative. A person with dementia may become very passive and require prompting to become involved.

If you recognize several of those symptoms in yourself or a loved one, see your doctor. In some cases, there's an underlying cause that can be remedied. Ever/if the diagnosis is Alzheimer's disease, help is available to learn how to care for a person with dementia and where to find caregiver assistance.

Last updated Jan 4/07