Symptoms of Alzheimer's

At first, the only symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may be mild forgetfulness, which can be confused with age-related memory change. While these symptoms may be bothersome, they usually are not serious enough to cause alarm. In the later stages of the disease, people may have Alzheimer's signs and symptoms that can include becoming anxious or aggressive or wandering away from home.

Alzheimer's Disease Info

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's: An Overview

Alzheimer's disease begins slowly. At first, the only Alzheimer's symptom may be mild forgetfulness, which can be confused with age-related memory change. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms become more noticeable and are usually serious enough to cause people with Alzheimer's disease or their family members to seek medical help.

Most people with mild forgetfulness do not have Alzheimer's disease.

Early Alzheimer's Symptoms

In the early stages of the disease, people with symptoms of Alzheimer's may have trouble remembering recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things. In addition, they may not be able to solve simple math problems. While such difficulties may be bothersome, they usually are not serious enough to cause alarm.

(Click Early Signs of Alzheimer's Disease for more information.)

Other Symptoms of Alzheimer's

As the disease progresses, Alzheimer's symptoms become more noticeable and can include:

No longer thinking clearly. People with the disease may fail to recognize familiar people and places.

Forgetfulness that begins to interfere with daily activities. People in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease may forget how to do simple tasks, like brushing their teeth or combing their hair.

Problems speaking, understanding, reading, or writing.

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