Noticing changes in a loved one’s memory or behavior can be frightening.
Many families wonder whether forgetfulness is a normal part of aging
or something more serious. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form
of dementia, affects millions of Americans — and Las Vegas, Nevada
is no exception. Knowing the early warning signs can help your family
act quickly and find the right care.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory,
thinking skills, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It accounts
for 60–80% of all dementia cases. While it is not a normal part of aging,
the risk increases significantly after age 65.
10 Early Warning Signs to Watch For
1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
One of the most common signs is forgetting recently learned information,
important dates, or events. Your loved one may ask for the same information
repeatedly or rely heavily on memory aids like notes or family reminders
where they never did before.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
Some people experience changes in their ability to follow a plan or work
with numbers. They may struggle to follow a familiar recipe, manage monthly
bills, or concentrate on tasks that once came naturally.
3. Confusion With Time or Place
People with Alzheimer’s often lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage
of time. They may forget where they are, how they got there, or what year
it is. This can be particularly alarming for family members who witness it
for the first time.
4. Vision Problems
Alzheimer’s can cause difficulty reading, judging distance, or determining
color contrast. This may affect driving, an early sign many families notice
before a formal diagnosis.
5. Trouble Finding Words or Following Conversations
Someone with early Alzheimer’s may stop mid-sentence and struggle to continue,
or they may repeat themselves. Vocabulary can become limited, and they may call
familiar things by the wrong name.
6. Misplacing Things and Inability to Retrace Steps
Your loved one may put things in unusual places — like placing car keys in
the refrigerator — and be unable to retrace their steps to find them.
This can lead to accusations that others are stealing.
7. Decreased or Poor Judgment
Poor decision-making, such as giving large sums of money to telemarketers
or neglecting personal grooming, can be early signs of cognitive decline.
8. Withdrawal From Social Activities
People in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may start withdrawing from hobbies,
social events, or family gatherings. They may avoid situations where they know
their memory challenges will be visible to others.
9. Mood and Personality Changes
Individuals can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious.
They may be easily upset in places outside their comfort zone or become unusually
irritable with family members.
10. Challenges in Completing Familiar Tasks
Everyday tasks like driving to a familiar location, managing finances, or
remembering the rules of a favorite game can become difficult. Daily routines
that once required no thought may now take significant effort.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
If you notice several of these signs in a family member, schedule an appointment
with their primary care physician as soon as possible. Early diagnosis opens
the door to treatment options that can slow progression and improve quality of life.
At Harmony Retirement Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, our trained caregivers
specialize in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. We work alongside families from
the earliest stages through advanced care, creating personalized care plans
that prioritize dignity, comfort, and safety. Call us at (702) 984-0206
to schedule a tour of our licensed memory care facility.