Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's

Recognizing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia early can provide individuals and families with knowledge and reassurance. Identifying early symptoms helps guide the way toward support systems and treatment options that can improve quality of life.

What is Dementia?

Think of "dementia" as an umbrella term, not a single disease. Dementia describes a group of cognitive conditions marked by progressive impairment in areas like memory, reasoning, language, and the ability to perform daily tasks. It isn't one specific disease but rather an umbrella term covering various conditions that cause these symptoms, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.

Alzheimer's Disease vs. Dementia: Clarifying the Difference

Alzheimer's disease is the specific condition most often responsible for causing the dementia syndrome. Accounting for the majority (estimated 60-80%) of cases, Alzheimer's is a distinct, progressive neurological disorder.¹ It's identified by characteristic brain changes, like amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which gradually damage neurons. So, while "dementia" names the collection of symptoms affecting daily life, Alzheimer's disease is the most common underlying illness causing those symptoms.

Early Signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia

Memory Loss and Forgetfulness: An Early Warning

Memory challenges, particularly short-term memory loss, often appear first. Affected individuals might frequently forget recent conversations, repeatedly ask the same questions, or increasingly rely on reminders and notes.²

While everyone occasionally forgets a name or where they put their keys, this type of memory loss is more concerning because the information often isn't recalled later. It's as if recent experiences or details aren't being properly stored in the first place, making it difficult to keep track of new information.

Planning and Problem-Solving Difficulties

Difficulty planning daily tasks like cooking, managing finances, or scheduling activities might indicate early cognitive decline. Tasks previously handled effortlessly become increasingly overwhelming.²

Struggling with Familiar Tasks

Individuals might suddenly find routine tasks like driving familiar routes, using appliances, or cooking challenging.² This reflects the brain’s declining ability to manage sequences or procedures. Imagine suddenly feeling unsure how to operate the TV remote control you use every single day, or perhaps getting disoriented while driving to the local shop you've visited countless times.

These aren't complex new activities, but the brain's 'autopilot' for these once-automatic actions starts to falter, making them confusing or difficult to complete correctly.

Confusion About Time and Place

People with dementia often experience disorientation regarding time, date, and their surroundings.² This might include confusion about recent or past events or losing track of locations.

This is more significant than briefly forgetting which day it is; someone might consistently lose track of dates, seasons, or even the passage of hours within a day, perhaps preparing for an evening activity in the morning.

They could also become confused about where they are or how they got there, sometimes even feeling lost or uncertain within their own familiar home or neighbourhood.

Visual Perception Challenges

Difficulties interpreting visual information such as reading, judging distances, or identifying colors may arise, potentially affecting mobility and daily activities like driving or navigating stairs.² It's important to realize this isn't typically just an issue with eyesight itself, but rather with how the brain processes what the eyes are seeing.

For instance, they might start having trouble judging the distance to a curb when parking, find it hard to distinguish between similar colours, or struggle to follow lines of text while reading because their brain isn't interpreting the visual information as it used to.

Communication Problems: Finding the Right Words

Experiencing difficulty in conversation, like frequent pauses, word substitution, or repetition, can signify early-stage dementia.² Similar challenges may also occur in written communication. It can be really frustrating for the person – knowing what they want to say but just not being able to grasp the specific word they need right when they need it.

You might notice them frequently struggling to name familiar objects, perhaps calling them 'that thingamajig' or using a related but incorrect word, or they might lose their train of thought midway through speaking.

Misplacing Items and Retracing Steps

Individuals with dementia often misplace personal items without the ability to retrace their steps. Unlike typical forgetfulness, this symptom occurs repeatedly and can lead to increased frustration or suspicion.²

For example, they might put frequently used items like keys, glasses, or a wallet in very unusual locations, such as inside the refrigerator or a sock drawer, and have absolutely no memory of putting them there.

Because they genuinely can't figure out how the item got there by mentally retracing their actions (like most of us do when we misplace something), this distressing situation can sometimes lead to accusations that others have moved or even stolen their belongings.

Judgment and Decision-Making Issues

Poor judgment or unusual decisions—such as neglecting personal hygiene or financial mismanagement—are potential indicators of cognitive decline that should not be overlooked.²

This could look like someone who was previously very sensible with money suddenly spending large amounts irrationally, donating excessively, or falling prey to phone scams or offers that seem obviously too good to be true.

You might also see concerning changes in personal habits, like neglecting regular bathing or choosing clothes completely unsuitable for the hot or rainy weather, because their ability to assess situations and make sound choices is fading.

Social Withdrawal and Reduced Activity

A noticeable reduction in engagement with social or professional activities can indicate cognitive challenges.² Individuals may withdraw to avoid situations highlighting their cognitive difficulties.

This might look like someone suddenly losing interest in a lifelong hobby (like gardening or playing a favourite game), avoiding regular meet-ups with friends they used to enjoy perhaps at the local coffee shop, or stepping back from community or religious activities they were previously committed to.

Often, this withdrawal happens because the effort of keeping up with conversations, remembering names, or simply navigating busy social situations feels overwhelming or stressful due to the underlying cognitive changes they are experiencing.

Personality and Mood Changes

Persistent mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or unexpected personality shifts often accompany dementia's early stages.²

These emotional changes should prompt further evaluation. Someone who has always been generally calm and good-natured might become frequently irritable, anxious, or easily upset, sometimes over seemingly small matters that wouldn't have bothered them before.

Alternatively, a usually confident and sociable person might become uncharacteristically fearful, withdrawn, or even suspicious of others, representing a distinct shift from the personality friends and family in their community have known for years.

The Importance of Early Detection

Managing Symptoms Effectively

Early diagnosis is transformative, enabling interventions that slow progression, enhance quality of life, and reduce caregiver strain. This might involve specific medications that can temporarily ease symptoms for some, alongside non-drug therapies designed to support cognitive function and emotional health.³

Ultimately, taking action early helps the person maintain their independence and enjoy daily life in their community for as long as possible. At Ciatrix, we emphasize proactive care strategies backed by scientific research.

Planning for a Better Future

Early detection provides vital time to organize healthcare, legal, and financial plans, reducing uncertainty and stress for everyone involved.

Crucially, this window of opportunity allows the person diagnosed to actively participate in making important decisions about their future healthcare, living arrangements, and finances, ensuring their voice is heard.

Having these conversations and plans documented early provides enormous peace of mind, ensuring their wishes are known and reducing future stress and potential disagreements for the whole family.

Responding Proactively to Early Symptoms

Consulting Healthcare Professionals Early

Seek professional medical advice promptly if cognitive symptoms persist. A comprehensive evaluation is key to accurate diagnosis and effective care planning.

It might feel daunting, or one might hope the symptoms are just temporary, but it's important not to delay seeking medical advice from a doctor or a specialist.

A doctor can investigate thoroughly, which includes ruling out other treatable conditions (like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues) that can sometimes mimic dementia symptoms.

Documenting Symptoms Clearly

It's useful to keep a detailed symptom diary, noting the nature, frequency, and severity of issues. This information aids healthcare professionals in making precise assessments and informed recommendations.⁴

Specific examples should be noted as they occur—such as the date when someone struggled with a familiar task, the time of day when confusion seemed worse, or particular instances of memory lapses or unusual behaviour.

This detailed log is incredibly useful during medical appointments, offering a much clearer picture to the healthcare team than relying on memory alone.

Providing Emotional Support

Emotional reassurance and understanding from caregivers create a supportive environment, reducing stress and enhancing emotional well-being.

This involves being patient, especially when faced with repetition or confusion, offering comfort and reassurance instead of constant correction, and focusing on maintaining their dignity in all interactions.

A calm, supportive presence can be incredibly grounding for the person experiencing these changes, helping to reduce their fear and anxiety as they navigate this challenging time.

Reducing Risk Through Lifestyle Choices

Supporting Brain Cleansing with Mindful Movement

Practices like Yoga and Qi Gong involve gentle spinal movements—like bending, stretching, and twisting—often combined with mindful breathing.

Emerging research suggests these movements can act like a natural pump, helping to circulate the vital cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) throughout the brain and spine. This enhanced CSF flow is believed to support the brain's built-in cleansing system (known as the glymphatic system), aiding the removal of toxins that could otherwise accumulate.

Think of poses like Cat-Cow in yoga – they aren't just good stretches for your back; they may actively help 'rinse' your brain, making mindful movement a simple yet potentially powerful way to support long-term brain health.

Adopting a Brain-Healthy Diet

Nutrient-rich, balanced diets, especially Mediterranean-style eating plans rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, significantly support cognitive health.

Think about loading the plate with plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables, fish rich in healthy fats (such as salmon or mackerel), nuts, seeds, and using healthy oils like olive oil.

These foods provide the essential building blocks your brain needs and help protect it from inflammation and damage linked to aging.

Exercising Regularly for Cognitive Health

Engaging in regular physical activities such as walking, yoga, or swimming boosts circulation and cognitive function, significantly lowering dementia risk.⁵

The key is finding activities one enjoys in places accessible to them—perhaps walking in a nearby park, joining a class, or swimming—and sticking with them consistently most days of the week.

Getting one's heart rate up improves blood flow, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients that nourish the brain cells and help keep them functioning well.

Stimulating The Brain Regularly

Regular intellectual engagement through puzzles, reading, games, or learning new skills enhances cognitive resilience, delaying or reducing dementia symptoms.⁶

Treat the brain like a muscle that needs exercise – challenge it regularly by learning something new, whether it's a few phrases in another language, a musical instrument, a new board game, or tackling different types of puzzles.

Variety is beneficial; it helps build new connections between brain cells and keeps the mind flexible and sharp.

Staying Socially Connected

Maintaining strong social connections fosters emotional support, reduces isolation, and supports overall cognitive health.

Making time for regular chats with friends (in person or online), participating in family gatherings, or joining community groups centered around shared interests plays an important role in maintaining mental and emotional health.

These interactions not only help boost mood but also engage important brain functions like memory and attention, while strengthening the support networks that protect against stress and isolation.⁷

Conclusion: Early Action, Better Outcomes

Understanding the early signs of Alzheimer's and dementia – from memory difficulties and planning challenges to changes in mood or behaviour – is crucial for timely action.

Don't hesitate to consult healthcare professionals if you notice persistent changes in yourself or a loved one, and remember the value of documenting observations and offering unwavering emotional support.

Early detection empowers individuals and families, allowing for better symptom management and vital planning for the future. Coupled with proactive lifestyle choices that support brain health—like mindful movement, nutritious food, regular exercise, mental engagement, and staying connected within your community—we can face the potential challenges of cognitive change with greater knowledge and resilience.

At Ciatrix, we are committed to promoting this informed awareness, believing that proactive steps taken today contribute significantly to better outcomes and support the ongoing search for breakthroughs.

FAQs

1. Can dementia symptoms fluctuate? 

   1. Yes, early symptoms can vary daily due to factors like stress or fatigue, making careful monitoring essential.

2. Does occasional forgetfulness indicate dementia? 

   1. Not necessarily; occasional forgetfulness is common, but persistent or worsening memory loss affecting daily life should be evaluated.

3. Are Alzheimer's and dementia preventable? 

   1. While not fully preventable, lifestyle choices significantly reduce risks and may delay onset.

4. Can younger people develop dementia? 

   1. Yes, early-onset dementia can affect younger adults, typically between their 40s and 50s, although less commonly than older populations.

5. Is dementia progression inevitable? 

   1. Dementia typically progresses, but rates vary significantly, influenced by type, health, lifestyle, and timely intervention.

Sources

¹ Alzheimer's Association; Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease: What Is the Difference? https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s

² Alzheimer's Association; 10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs

³ Alzheimer's Association; Why Get Checked? https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/why-get-checked

⁴ Medical News Today; How to keep a symptom diary https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/symptom-diary

⁵ Wang S, Liu HY, Cheng YC, Su CH. Exercise Dosage in Reducing the Risk of Dementia Development: Mode, Duration, and Intensity-A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Dec 17;18(24):13331. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413331

⁶ Weaver AN, Jaeggi SM. Activity Engagement and Cognitive Performance Amongst Older Adults. Front Psychol. 2021 Mar 11;12:620867. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620867

⁷ Holt-Lunstad J. Social connection as a critical factor for mental and physical health: evidence, trends, challenges, and future implications. World Psychiatry. 2024 Oct;23(3):312-332. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21224