Noticing the First Changes
When a loved one starts forgetting things or behaving differently, it can be worrying and confusing. Many families wonder if it is simply a normal part of getting older, or an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and typically begins slowly, with subtle changes that become more noticeable over time.
Recognising the early signs does not mean you are “labelling” someone. Instead, it gives you a chance to seek medical advice, plan ahead, and access support sooner, which can make daily life safer and more manageable for everyone involved.
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
Everyone forgets a name or an appointment now and then, but usually remembers it later. In Alzheimer’s, memory problems are more frequent and begin to interfere with everyday activities. A person may repeatedly ask the same questions, forget important dates or events, or rely more and more on reminder notes and family members for things they used to manage independently.
This kind of memory loss often focuses on recent information, such as what was just said in a conversation or what happened earlier that day. Over time, even familiar routes, regular tasks, or the names of close family members can be forgotten.
2. Difficulty Planning, Organising, or Solving Problems
Alzheimer’s can affect the ability to think clearly, plan ahead, and solve everyday problems. Someone who used to handle household bills or work projects may suddenly struggle to follow a monthly budget, keep track of payments, or follow a recipe they have used for years.
They might find it hard to concentrate, take much longer than before to do familiar tasks, or feel overwhelmed by activities that involve several steps, such as preparing a meal or organising a family event.
3. Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks
Another early sign is difficulty completing tasks that used to be simple and routine. This might include forgetting how to use a familiar household appliance, struggling to get to a usual location, or losing track of the rules of a favourite game.
Unlike normal ageing, where someone might occasionally need help with a new device or app, a person with Alzheimer’s may become confused by tasks that have been part of their daily life for many years.
4. Confusion With Time, Place, or Situations
People with Alzheimer’s often lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time. They may forget where they are or how they got there, or become disoriented in familiar places such as their own neighbourhood.
This confusion can appear as getting lost on a regular walk, not knowing what day it is, or thinking they are living in an earlier period of their life. As the condition progresses, they may also have difficulty understanding events that are not happening immediately, such as plans for tomorrow or next week.
5. Problems With Language and Communication
Alzheimer’s can affect the brain’s language centres, making it harder to find the right words, follow a conversation, or express thoughts clearly. A person might stop mid-sentence and have no idea how to continue, or repeat the same story several times without realising it.
They may struggle with vocabulary, use the wrong word (for example, calling a watch a “hand clock”), or find reading and writing more challenging than before. These changes are persistent and noticeable, not just occasional word-finding difficulties.
6. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
It is normal to lose items like keys or glasses occasionally and then find them by retracing your steps. In Alzheimer’s, people may put things in unusual places—such as a wallet in the fridge or keys in a shoe—and be unable to work out how to get them back.
They might accuse others of stealing their belongings, because they genuinely cannot remember where they were placed. Over time, this pattern of misplacing items and feeling suspicious can become more frequent and distressing for both the person and their family.
7. Changes in Mood, Personality, or Social Behaviour
Alzheimer’s does not only affect memory; it also changes mood and behaviour. A once calm, easy-going person may become anxious, suspicious, easily upset, or depressed. They may lose interest in hobbies, withdraw from social activities, or avoid situations where they need to interact or follow conversations.
These changes are often more noticeable in unfamiliar settings or when routines change. The person may become irritable, fearful, or confused, especially in the late afternoon or evening—a pattern sometimes called “sundowning.”
When to Seek Help
Having one of these signs does not automatically mean someone has Alzheimer’s, but noticing several of them, especially if they are getting worse, is a reason to consult a doctor. Healthcare professionals can perform memory tests, physical examinations, and sometimes brain scans to look for possible causes.
Early diagnosis allows families to learn about treatment options, access support services, and make important legal, financial, and care decisions while the person can still participate. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you love, reach out to us rather than waiting and worrying alone.
Gentle Conclusion
Alzheimer’s is a complex condition that touches everyone in a family. Recognising the early signs—such as disruptive memory loss, difficulty planning, confusion, language changes, misplacing items, and shifts in mood or behaviour—can feel frightening, but it is also an important first step towards getting support. You do not have to navigate these changes by yourself.
If these signs sound familiar, consider making an appointment with us and sharing your observations. Keep a simple diary of symptoms, bring a trusted family member along, and ask about local dementia or Alzheimer’s organisations for guidance. The earlier help is sought, the more options you have to maintain quality of life, safety, and dignity for both the person affected and the people who care for them.
