Changes in behavior, concern for appearance, hygiene, and sleep (which become more noticeable).
Inability to identify close relatives (such as thinking a son is a brother or that a wife is a stranger).
Poor judgment (This creates safety issues when the person is left alone -- he or she may wander and risk exposure, poisoning, falls, self-neglect, or exploitation.).
Difficulty recognizing familiar people and objects. The person may take things belonging to others.
Repetition of stories, favorite words, statements, or motions (such as tearing tissues).
Engaging in restless, repetitive movements in late afternoon or evening (such as pacing, trying doorknobs, or fingering draperies).
Inability to organize thoughts or follow logical explanations.
Difficulty completing tasks.
Telling stories to fill in gaps in memory.
Inability to formulate the correct response to a written request.
Inappropriate behavior (such as kicking, hitting, biting, screaming, cursing, or grabbing).
Becoming sloppy or forgetting manners.
Sensing things that are not there.
Making accusations (such as accusing a spouse of an affair or family members of stealing).
Frequent napping (or waking up at night and believing it is morning).
Difficulty positioning the body to use the toilet or sit in a chair.
Thinking that a mirror image is following him or television story is happening to her.
Requiring assistance to find the toilet, use the shower, remember to drink, and dress for the weather or occasion.
Inappropriate sexual behavior, such as mistaking another individual for a spouse. A person with Alzheimer's disease may forget what is considered private behavior and may disrobe or masturbate in public.
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