Memory loss- Short term memory loss is usually the first and most common symptom. Mild memory loss progresses to severe memory loss over the course of the disease. Forgetting something on the stove or what you had for lunch an hour ago would be common in an Alzheimer’s patient.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks- Tasks that have been done almost every day (sometimes for years) become difficult to do because the person with Alzheimer’s disease forgets the steps. Cooking a meal, sewing a button on a shirt, or getting gas for your car become impossible to do because the Alzheimer’s patient can not remember how to do them.
Language problems- Everyone forgets familiar words now and then, but the Alzheimer’s patient has difficulty finding words frequently. They may forget the word for “brush” and refer to it as “the thing I comb my hair with”.
Disorientation/confusion- Getting lost in familiar surroundings or forgetting the date or time is common in Alzheimer’s disease.
Poor judgment- Judgment is affected in the daily decisions of Alzheimer’s patients. They may go to the store wearing pajamas over the clothes they wore yesterday or put their shoes on the wrong feet.
Problems with abstract thinking- Numbers are difficult for the patient with Alzheimer’s disease to deal with because they don’t know what they are for or what to do with them. Balancing a checkbook or keeping financial records is impossible.
Misplacing things- Items of value can often be misplaced or lost. It is common for money, jewelry or checkbooks to be misplaced.
Changes in mood or behavior- Mood swings, withdrawn personality and a decreased interest in social activities are common in a patient with Alzheimer’s disease.
Changes in personality- An Alzheimer’s patient may exhibit an entirely different personality than they have in the past. An outgoing, energetic person may become timid and suspicious.
Loss of initiative- Alzheimer’s patients loses interest in hobbies, social activities and the things they were interested in before. They need encouragement to do even the simplest of daily tasks.