Knowing and recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease is critical. Early diagnosis is the key in the treatment of the condition. Understanding the difference between the normal aging process, and the early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease is not easy, but it is possible.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

• Short-term memory loss is the most well-known early symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Do you have difficulty recollecting late conversations or events?
• Trouble performing commonplace tasks. Are you stumped by commonplace activities, such as brushing your teeth, washing your hair, or making a phone call?
• Disorientation. Do you lose your sense of direction in your own neighborhood? Do you put household items in places they don't belong, such as setting a book in the refrigerator?
• Increasing problems with arranging and overseeing. Have activities like balancing your checkbook, paying bills, or making a shopping list become difficult?
• Issues with dialect. Do you forget words for commonplace things? For instance, does "car" turn into "that thing I drive" or is a seat "that thing I sit on"?
• Fast, unusual emotional episodes. Are you having uncharacteristic mood swings? Absence of inspiration. Have you lost interest in activities you once enjoyed? Do you see less of your friends? Are you watching more television than normal?
• Changes in sleep. Do you sleep more than usual? Are you sleeping during the day and up at night?

Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms in the Middle Stage

When a person enters the middle stage, Alzheimer's disease symptoms start to become more noticeable by the patient and people around the patient. Symptoms often noted in the middle stage of Alzheimer's disease include:

• Trouble finishing commonplace tasks, such as bathing, getting dressed, grooming, or preparing meals
• Hallucinations
• Strong feelings of suspicion and resentment
• Wandering off

Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms in the Later Stages

In the later stages, a person with Alzheimer's disease is typically unable to care for him or herself. The patient’s basic needs must be cared for by others. Symptoms often noted in the late stage of Alzheimer's disease include:

• Powerlessness to correspond with or perceive other individuals
• Powerlessness to walk
• Trouble swallowing
• Powerlessness to smile