August 2023
8 Lesser-Known Signs of Alzheimer Disease
Forgetting things or getting lost—most people know at least one common sign of Alzheimer
disease. But there are more warning signs that aren’t as recognized.
It’s important to learn about them and talk with your healthcare provider if you spot
them in yourself or a loved one. The earlier you identify Alzheimer disease, the more
likely treatment can help with symptoms. And then you’ll have more time to plan for
the future.
Some of the lesser-known symptoms include:
1. Personality changes
Someone who’s always a go-getter now hesitates to take initiative. Or a diligent planner
has trouble thinking ahead. These are causes for concern
2. Financial problems
Planning and problem-solving skills might not be as sharp, leading to difficulties
with paying bills or handling cash.
3. Losing track of time
Many everyday tasks take longer when a person has cognitive problems. Their perception
of time changes, too—they might get confused about the current date.
4. Slips in self-care
Personal hygiene tasks might fall by the wayside. You might also notice lapses in
caring for a pet.
5. Vision issues
Alzheimer’s disease can cause problems with processing visual information. This can
make it seem like the person has poor eyesight—like trouble reading or an inability
to distinguish colors.
6. Mood changes
Anyone can get irritated when things don’t go their way. But if a change in routine
triggers uncharacteristic anxiety or aggression, that’s a red flag.
7. Having accidents
Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s perception of space, leading them to trip, spill,
or drop things more often.
8. Shifts in sleep patterns
Some people with Alzheimer’s disease sleep more during the day and find themselves
restless at night. Others may struggle to sleep much at all.
The next steps
Having any of these warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean a person has Alzheimer
disease. Many of these issues could have other causes. Still, you shouldn’t wait to
address them in yourself or a loved one. That’s especially true if you notice more
than one symptom, including memory loss.
If you have concerns, make an appointment with a healthcare provider and ask for a
cognitive assessment. That way, you can pinpoint problems early—and take action.