Alzheimer’s disease statistics show this condition affects nearly 7 million Americans. Reports show one in 10 people older than 65 and nearly a third of people older than 85 have the condition.

The disease is caused by a buildup of two substances inside the brain called amyloid and tau. This buildup disrupts communication between neurons in the brain, causing many to stop working properly and eventually die. This results in a wide range of potential signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:

Memory Loss

Memory loss and the inability to recall recently learned information are the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Memory lapses at times are common for aging adults, but memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease persists and progresses. Eventually, the symptom worsens so much that family members and others begin noticing the change in cognitive function.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease who experience memory loss symptoms may:

• Forget important dates, such as appointments or events
• Ask the same questions and repeat the same statements over and over
• Get lost in places they used to be familiar with
• Misplace items and often put them in places they don’t belong
• Have trouble thinking of the right words to use in conversation to accurately express thoughts and feelings
• Forget the names of family members, friends, and everyday objects
• Rely more on memory aids, such as reminder notes or electronic devices

Changes in Personality and Mood

Changes to the brain caused by Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s mood and behaviors. It’s common for people living with the condition to become easily confused and agitated when they have difficulties remembering information. The disease can also cause individuals to become suspicious, fearful, or anxious. These uneasy feelings can have a significant impact on a person’s overall mood and create feelings of depression.

Alzheimer’s disease can also cause individuals to lose interest in activities they were once very passionate about and experience a loss of inhibition. The condition can cause individuals to become paranoid and not trust others who are close confidants or family. Many experience delusions, such as being convinced someone has stolen a belonging or not trusting what someone else says. This can lead to anger, aggression, and mood swings.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s often have trouble effectively communicating, leading them to refrain from social environments and become disengaged. Social withdrawal can create a sense of isolation and further increase feelings of depression.

Poor Judgement

Making sensible decisions and having good judgment requires healthy brain function, which is why many people with Alzheimer’s have difficulties with both. Examples of changes in judgment or decision-making for individuals with Alzheimer’s can include wearing clothes for the wrong type of weather or not dressing properly for a specific event.

Additionally, Alzheimer’s disease may make it harder for someone to respond to everyday problems, such as not knowing how to handle food burning on the stove or what to do when operating a vehicle. Poor decisions often become more frequent as the disease progresses and symptoms worsen.

Trouble Planning and Reasoning

People with Alzheimer’s disease commonly have trouble concentrating and thinking. This makes it increasingly difficult to develop and follow a plan. They often need to rely on the help of others to be reminded to carry out everyday tasks. Furthermore, performing more than one task at a time proves to be challenging for some people with Alzheimer’s disease. They might require additional time to do things because of lapses in concentration.

Abstract concepts, such as numbers, can be a challenge as well. Eventually, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may be unable to recognize numbers. This makes it almost impossible for individuals to manage finances, balance checkbooks and pay bills on time without the assistance of others.

Spatial Disorientation

Some people living with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s experience spatial disorientation due to changes in the brain’s memory and visual processing systems. This can lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading, as well as being unaware of surroundings or unable to navigate to a destination. Furthermore, spatial disorientation can lead to people getting lost in familiar and unfamiliar environments, which can be dangerous for their well-being and those around them.