How to Spot Alzheimer's: Spotting Early Signs Before They Get Worse

Alzheimer's starts slow, and the first clues can feel like everyday forgetfulness. The trick is to tell the difference between normal aging and something that needs a doctor’s eye. Below are the most common signs you can watch for now, plus easy steps to check if they’re just a blip or the start of a bigger problem.

Memory that Keeps Slipping

Everyone forgets a name now and then, but with early Alzheimer’s the forgetfulness starts to happen more often and affects important things. Look for these patterns:

• Repeating the same question or story within a short time.
• Forgetting recent appointments, bills, or where you put everyday items.
• Needing notes or reminders for tasks you used to do automatically.

If you notice three or more of these happening several times a week, it’s time to write them down and talk to a doctor.

Thinking and Planning Trouble

Beyond memory, Alzheimer’s can make it hard to follow a simple plan. Pay attention to:

• Getting lost while driving a familiar route.
• Struggling to follow a recipe or a set of instructions.
• Having trouble solving everyday problems, like balancing a checkbook.

These issues often show up before any major memory loss. A quick test is to ask someone to spell a common word backward or to count down from 100 by sevens. Consistent difficulty may be a red flag.

Other signs worth watching are changes in mood or personality. Someone might become more irritable, withdrawn, or lose interest in hobbies they loved. Even small shifts can mean the brain is changing.

Physical signs also matter. Look for:

• Difficulty finding words during a conversation.
• Misplacing items in odd places, like putting a phone in the freezer.
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as waking up confused at night.

All of these clues are easier to spot if you keep a simple log. Write the date, what happened, and how often it occurs. This log becomes powerful evidence for a doctor and helps you see if the pattern is growing.

When you think something’s off, don’t wait. Call your primary care physician and ask for a cognitive screening. The test is quick, free, and may catch the disease early enough for treatment to work better.

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to protect the brain:

• Stay active – a daily walk or short exercise keeps blood flowing to the brain.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and omega‑3 fatty acids.
• Keep the mind busy – puzzles, reading, or learning a new hobby can boost brain power.
• Sleep well – aim for 7‑8 hours, and treat sleep apnea if it exists.

Alzheimer’s isn’t easy, but catching it early gives you more options. By watching for memory slips, planning problems, mood changes, and simple physical clues, you can act faster and get the help you need.