We all forget things from time to time: a friend’s birthday, a neighbor’s name, what we intended to pick up at the grocery store. When is memory loss normal and when is it a sign of something more serious, like Alzheimer’s disease? The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease often come on slowly, and they vary from person to person. While forgetfulness is a normal part of aging, serious memory loss and confusion may be indications that a person is suffering from a cognitive disorder like Alzheimer’s disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Researchers are still deciphering the complicated brain changes involved in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists believe, however, that brain damage occurs more than a decade before cognitive issues arise (source). Symptoms usually appear gradually, revealing the person’s increasing struggle to make sense of the world. As the symptoms worsen, the disease is said to progress through several stages: preclinical, early-stage, moderate, and late-stage.
Signs of Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
During the preclinical stage, most people are symptom-free. People are usually diagnosed in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (also called mild Alzheimer’s disease), when symptoms first emerge. These early symptoms include the following:
- Memory loss, including forgetting recent conversations and events
- Poor decision-making skills
- Repeating questions
- Struggling to put thoughts into words
- Wandering or becoming lost
- Losing things and finding them in odd places
- Loss of spontaneity and initiative
- Lack of energy
- Coordination issues
- Difficulty with everyday tasks, like paying bills or following recipes
- Changes in mood and personality
- Anxiety
- Aggression
- Less interest in work and social activities
Keep in mind that having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has Alzheimer’s disease. If you are concerned about your health or the health of a loved one, speak to a medical professional to learn what the symptoms mean and what your options are for treatment.
Signs of Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
As the disease progresses, many early indicators become more severe and new symptoms emerge. During this moderate stage, people typically need more intense supervision and care. The symptoms may include the following:
- Rambling speech
- Trouble finding the right words
- Increased memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty with numbers and language, including reading and writing
- Struggling with logic and organizing one’s thoughts
- Short attention span
- Difficulty completing multi-step tasks
- Inability to learn new things or cope with new situations
- Struggling to recognize family members and friends
- Impulsive, unusual, and inappropriate behavior (such as undressing in public)
- Anger and frustration
- Restlessness and agitation
- Wandering, especially in the late afternoon and evening
- Seemingly purposeless activity (pacing, packing and unpacking clothing, etc.)
- Repetitive movements or speech
- Difficulty sleeping
- Confusion about time and place
- Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Disregarding grooming and hygiene
In some cases, people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease sense that they are losing control of their lives or losing their sense of self. This may result in depression.
Signs of Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease
When a person reaches late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, they cannot communicate and are entirely dependent on other people for care. They will likely spend a lot of time in bed, and their body will gradually shut down. Symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer’s disease include the following:
- Inability to communicate
- Severe confusion
- More time spent sleeping
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Skin infections
- Seizures
- Groaning and grunting
- Extreme mood swings
- Difficulty moving without assistance
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
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Only through research studies and vigorous research can scientists develop better treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, methods of prevention, and perhaps, someday, a cure. If you would like to take part in the quest to develop the next generation of Alzheimer’s treatments, consider applying to participate in a study.
QPS Missouri is looking for new participants for research studies, and you may qualify. Since opening its doors in 1994, QPS Missouri has conducted over 1,000 FDA-regulated studies, paying out over $35 million to local participants. Your local participation could have a global impact, as QPS is an international leader in contract research with facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our mission is to accelerate the development of drugs worldwide by enabling breakthroughs in pharmaceutical innovation. If you would like to join us in this mission, consider applying for a clinical research study.
To get started, you simply need to fill out an online application. Within 48 business hours, a recruiting coordinator will contact you for your pre-screening assessment. To learn more, please visit the QPS Missouri website, review the study participation process, or check out our list of FAQ.