Forgetfulness is an ordinary part of aging as the brain shrinks; however, it is important to recognize the differences between normal memory loss and the early signs of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's affects one in 10 people over the age of 65, according to helpguide.org. Understanding and identifying Alzheimer's allows education, treatment and planning to begin and helps to avoid rushed decisions about future care. Taking Alzheimer's medications during the early stages delays symptoms and prolongs the time a person remains independent. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease---there is no cure. The early stage of Alzheimer's generally lasts two years.
Very Mild Cognitive Problems
A person experiences subtle memory loss and lapses during the early stages of Alzheimer's. Forgetting where keys, eyeglasses and everyday objects are placed is common. According to the Alzheimer's Association, problems are not severe enough to be evident to family members or co-workers, or even the person himself. The Alzheimer's victim may simply blame forgetfulness on aging and not be concerned about a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Medical interviews or exams do not detect Alzheimer's at the earliest stage.
Mild Cognitive Decline
Mild cognitive decline is still considered an early sign of Alzheimer's disease. The disease may still not be detected in some patients during this phase according to The Alzheimer's Association. Names of everyday objects become more difficult to recall. Family members and coworkers begin to recognize the apparent memory loss. A person has difficulty recalling names upon introduction as well as recalling material after reading. Entire conversations are difficult to remember. Tasks such as balancing a checkbook or mathematical equations take longer to perform. A person may become lost driving to regularly visited sites such as the local grocery store or gas station.
Social Withdrawal and Behavior
An Alzheimer's victim begins to recognize the changes occurring. Some people with Alzheimer's feel embarrassed and withdraw socially to avoid humiliation. Helpguide.com states with each moment of forgetfulness a person becomes more frightened about the disease process and possibility of having Alzheimer's disease. Denial, depression, anger and apathy are all coping methods and behaviors associated with a diagnosis of the disease. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a person may be more passive and less responsive. Unusual behaviors such as being suspicious of family members or increased irritability are seen in some Alzheimer's patients. Medical professionals may ask family members for details about behavior because the unusual behavior is not be apparent to the person with Alzheimer's.
