1 Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Repeating questions, missing important dates, relying heavily on notes or reminders.
What’s typical with aging?
Occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering later.
10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s & Dementia
August 25, 2025
Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s
Dementia is a group of symptoms that interfere with daily life (memory, thinking, behavior). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.
The 10 Early Signs
2 Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty following a familiar recipe, managing bills, or concentrating on multi-step tasks.
What’s typical?
Making an occasional mistake with finances.
3 Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Getting lost on a routine drive, mixing up microwave settings, or forgetting game rules.
What’s typical?
Needing help with a new device or app.
4 Confusion with time or place
Losing track of dates or seasons; forgetting where they are or how they got there.
What’s typical?
Briefly forgetting the day, then figuring it out.
5 Trouble with visual/spatial understanding
Balance issues, difficulty reading, judging distance, or changes in color/contrast (can affect driving).
What’s typical?
Vision changes from common eye conditions (e.g., cataracts).
6 New problems with words (speaking or writing)
Losing the thread mid-conversation, repeating phrases, or using the wrong word for common objects.
What’s typical?
Sometimes struggling to find the right word.
7 Misplacing things & can’t retrace steps
Placing items in unusual spots and being unable to backtrack; sometimes suspecting others.
What’s typical?
Misplacing items occasionally but finding them later.
8 Decreased or poor judgment
Unusual decisions about money or neglecting grooming and cleanliness.
What’s typical?
A bad decision once in a while.
9 Withdrawal from work or social activities
Pulling back from hobbies, teams, or events due to conversation or memory difficulties.
What’s typical?
Occasionally feeling uninterested in social plans.
10 Changes in mood and personality
More confusion, suspicion, anxiety, or irritability—especially outside a comfort zone.
What’s typical?
Preferring routines and getting frustrated when they change.
Quick Comparison
| Signs of Alzheimer’s/Dementia | Typical Age-Related Change |
|---|---|
| Ongoing poor judgment | An occasional bad decision |
| Trouble managing a budget regularly | Missing a monthly payment once |
| Often losing track of date or season | Forgetting the day and remembering it later |
| Frequent difficulty having a conversation | Sometimes searching for a word |
| Misplacing items & unable to retrace steps | Misplacing items but finding them later |
What to Do if You Notice These Changes
- Start the conversation. Share specific examples in a calm, supportive way.
- Schedule a checkup. Primary care can screen and refer to specialists; bring a medication list and symptom notes.
- Document patterns. Track when, where, and how often changes happen.
- Lean on support. Education, local resources, and in-home help reduce stress and improve safety.
How Committed Angels Home Care Helps (Atlanta)
- Personalized, non-medical in-home support for memory-related needs
- Safety-minded help with bathing, dressing, meals, and routines
- Medication reminders and appointment support
- Engaging companionship and meaningful activities
- Respite care to give family caregivers a break
Next step:
If you’re noticing several signs, let’s talk about a supportive plan at home.
Schedule a Friendly Consultation
Note: This article is informational and not a diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare professional with concerns.
Choose Correctly, The First Time
