Alzheimer's Warning Signs

A person may show some of the following symptoms:

• Loses recent memory without a change in appearance or casual conversation.
• Loses spark or zest for life - does not start anything.
• Loses judgment about money.
• Has difficulty with new learning and making new memories.
• Has trouble finding words - may substitute or make up words that sound like or mean
  something like the forgotten word.
• May stop talking to avoid making mistakes.
• Has a shorter attention span and less motivation to stay with an activity.
• Easily loses their way going to familiar places.
• Resists change or new things.
• Has trouble organizing and thinking logically.
• Asks repetitive questions.
• Withdraws, loses interest, is irritable, and not as sensitive to others' feelings, uncharacteristically angry when frustrated or tired.
• Won't make decisions. For example, when asked what she wants to eat, says "I'll have what she is having."
• Takes longer to do routine chores and becomes upset if rushed or if something unexpected happens.
• Forgets to pay, pays too much, or forgets how to pay - may hand the checkout person a wallet instead of the correct amount of money.
• Forgets to eat, eats only one kind of food, or eats constantly.
• Loses or misplaces things by hiding them in odd places or forgets where things go, such as putting clothes in the dishwasher.
• Constantly checks, searches or hoards things of no value.

*Source: National Institute on Aging. Adapted from Caring for People with Alzheimer's Disease: A Manual for Facility Staff (2nd edition), by Lisa P. Gwyther, 2001. Published by the American Health Care Association (1201 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005) and the Alzheimer's Association (919 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611).