Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain, usually in a person who is at least 60 years old, states the National Institutes of Health. Alzheimer's disease is divided into seven stages. The first three stages are considered to be very early stages of Alzheimer's disease. In the very early stages, the person will need very little care, but as the disease progresses, the person will need more care until the final stage, in which the person needs total care.
Memory Problems
Loss of short-term memory is one of the first signs of Alzheimer's disease. This may start out with the inability to remember names or the inability to speak the appropriate words during a conversation. It may progress slightly to misplacing objects. In some cases, family and friends may not notice these signs during the very early stages, states the Alzheimer's Association.
Altered Sense of Smell
Some patients with very early Alzheimer's may notice an altered sense of smell, states the National Institute on Aging. It may be harder for the patient to smell some types of smells or the sense of smell may drastically diminish. The altered sense of smell may be the result of a condition that is related to Alzheimer's called amnestic mild cognitive impairment.
Inability to Plan Ahead
Along with the problems with memory, an Alzheimer's patient may begin to experience problems organizing daily tasks or special events. Important portions of the day may be forgotten or improperly planned.
Diminished Task Performance
Family and friends of a person with Alzheimer's may notice that the person doesn't do things as well as she did previously. If still working, her performance reviews may begin to slip. It may seem like she is a little disoriented---even in familiar surroundings.
