November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Caregiver’s Month. While increasing forgetfulness is a normal sign of aging, more severe memory loss that impacts daily life might be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s Association lists the following as ten early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure
Confusion with time or place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality
If you believe you or a loved one might have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, you should speak with a doctor. While there is currently no cure, there are ways to manage Alzheimer’s and dementia and treat their symptoms.