15 Signs Their Memory Loss Could Be Alzheimer’s Disease

Forgetting someone’s name once in a while or losing our keys from time to time happens to the best of us. Not remembering the little things is a normal part of aging. What isn’t normal is when forgetting becomes an everyday occurrence or when losing things turns into unintentional neglect. This is when the need to seek dementia and Alzheimer’s care becomes crucial.

Talk to your health care provider about dementia and Alzheimer’s care if your loved one shows repeated instances of the following signs of memory loss.

15 Signs of Memory Loss

• Forgetting important things they used to remember like doctor’s appointments and anniversaries.
• Asking for the same information again and again because they don’t remember.
• Showing difficulty completing tasks like cooking or cleaning out the refrigerator.
• Showing difficulty working with numbers like balancing monthly finances and accounts.
• Taking longer to perform favourite hobbies or not performing them at all.
• Mixing up dates, times, and seasons or forgetting them altogether.
• Confusing locations or not remembering how they got somewhere.
• Misjudging distances, colours, and contrasts.
• Struggling with words and sentences when talking.
• Mixing up words or misnaming things.
• Storing things like wallets, keys, and TV remotes in random places.
• Neglecting personal grooming habits or physical appearance.
• Making poor decisions that affect well-being and personal finances.
• Withdrawing from social gatherings like parties and picnics.
• Becoming upset, confused, anxious, or scared when away from familiar places like home.

These are just some of the indicators of memory loss. More severe signs include wandering from home, physical outbursts, and unwarranted suspicion. These severe signs may indicate the progression of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Next Steps

Talk to your loved one’s health care provider about memory loss and how it relates to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. You can also ask about Alzheimer’s care, its many stages, and how these stages may be affecting your loved one. According to the Alzheimer Society Canada, Alzheimer’s disease “affects each individual differently, so the symptoms and the order in which they appear and the duration of each stage vary from person to person.”

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but research is ongoing. One breakthrough comes from a study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation in 2013 noting how the effects of Alzheimer’s could be reversed.

For the latest in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease related news, visit Alzheimer Society Canada andAlzheimer Society Ontario. You can find a complete listing of dementia and Alzheimer’s care resources, learn about diagnosis, and Test Your Attitude about dementia and Alzheimer’s care.