The common signs of Alzheimer's disease like forgetfulness and confusion can sometimes be put down to old age. And while getting older can affect memory, the Liverpool Echo notes it is also important to look out for the symptoms of illness in people over the age of 65.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. It accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer's Association.
A progressive condition, problems develop gradually over time and will eventually become more severe. And the first showing symptoms may vary as well as the rate at which they develop.
September marks Alzheimer's Disease Awareness month. To help raise awareness, this list looks at signs of the illness by each stage.
Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
- Forgetting about recent conversations or events
- Misplacing items
- Forgetting the names of people, places and objects
- Having trouble thinking of the right word
- Asking questions repetitively
- Finding it harder to make decisions
- Becoming less flexible and more hesitant to try new things
- Getting lost in familiar places
Mid-stage symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
- Changes in mood, such as frequent mood swings, depression and feeling increasingly anxious, frustrated or agitated
- Difficulty performing spatial tasks, such as judging distances
Increasing confusion and disorientation, for example, getting lost, or wandering and not knowing what time of day it is
- Obsessive, repetitive or impulsive behaviour
- Disturbed sleep
Later symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
- Starting to believe things that are untrue (having delusions)
- Difficulties eating or walking without help, and becoming more frail
- Problems eating and swallowing (dysphagia)
- Weight loss – sometimes severe
- Unintentional passing of urine (urinary incontinence) or stools (bowel incontinence)
- Gradual loss of speech
