Alzheimer's symptoms follow a pattern distinct from that of normal memory loss.
Everyone forgets things. How many times have you lost your car keys or forgotten the name of a person you just met? Forgetfulness tends to increase with age, but there's a big difference between normal absent-mindedness and the type of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease.
What's normal?
Normal age-related memory loss doesn't prevent you from living a full and productive life. You just need more time to remember a name or the task you had set out to do. You're aware that you're forgetful and may even joke about it.
People with memory loss due to something other than normal aging, such as Alzheimer's disease, may feel that something's not quite right, but they're unable to pinpoint what's bothering them. Rather than call attention to a memory lapse, they may behave as if everything is fine.
Additional symptoms
Memory loss associated with Alzheimer's gets worse over time, but it certainly is not the only symptom of the disease. Some of the earliest signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include:
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Difficulty finding words or use of inappropriate words
- Not being able to complete familiar tasks, such as following a recipe
- Misplacing items in inappropriate places, such as putting a wallet in the refrigerator
- Becoming lost while driving on familiar streets
- Undergoing sudden changes in mood or behavior for no apparent reason
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