The early stages of Alzheimer's disease are subtle and not always noticeable. Each person will display signs differently. Monitoring for signs of Alzheimer's allows a victim and family members to prepare for the future. Alzheimer's has no cure.
Medical Scans
No behavioral or mental changes are apparent though physical changes are occurring in the brain. Brain scans such as brain imaging and bio marker studies may begin to detect early changes in the brain for those with a history of Alzheimer's in the family, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Very Mild Cognitive Decline
A person may misplace car keys, remote controls or simply forget a person's name. The signs of forgetfulness are not associated with Alzheimer's and not evident in a medical interview.
Recognizable Symptoms
Others begin to notice the signs of Alzheimer's during Stage 3 of the disease. Co-workers, family members and the victim himself recognize the mental decline. Medical interviews and clinical testing may connect name-finding problems, inability to solve simple math problems or the inability to read a passage and remember key details with Alzheimer's disease.
Time Frame
Most people experience the first signs and symptoms after the age of 60. Though rare, some patients are diagnosed with Alzheimer's as early as their 30s due to a gene variant passed from a parent. Genetic testing can sometimes confirm that Alzheimer's disease will occur.
Coping
Telling friends, families and co-workers is difficult. A variety of support groups are available for the different stages of Alzheimer's for victims and family members. Groups are often divided into the stage of Alzheimer's disease.
