Memory loss is the key symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Early signs include difficulty reme
mbering recent events or conversations. But memory gets worse and other symptoms develop a
s the disease progresses.At first, someone with the disease may be aware of having trouble
remembering things and thinking clearly. As symptoms get worse, a family member or friend
may be more likely to notice the issues.Brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease
lead to growing trouble with:MemoryEveryone has memory lapses at times, but the memory lo
ss associated with Alzheimer's disease persists and gets worse. Over time, memory loss aff
ects the ability to function at work or at home.People with Alzheimer's disease may:Repeat
statements and questions over and over.Forget conversations, appointments or events.Mispl
ace items, often putting them in places that don't make sense.Get lost in places they used
to know well.Eventually forget the names of family members and everyday objects.Have trou
ble finding the right words for objects, expressing thoughts or taking part in conversatio
ns.Thinking and reasoningAlzheimer's disease causes difficulty concentrating and thinking,
especially about abstract concepts such as numbers.Doing more than one task at once is es
pecially difficult. It may be challenging to manage finances, balance checkbooks and pay b
ills on time. Eventually, a person with Alzheimer's disease may be unable to recognize and
deal with numbers.Making judgments and decisionsAlzheimer's disease causes a decline in t
he ability to make sensible decisions and judgments in everyday situations. For example, a
person may make poor choices in social settings or wear clothes for the wrong type of wea
ther. It may become harder for someone to respond to everyday problems. For example, the p
erson may not know how to handle food burning on the stove or decisions when driving.Plann
ing and performing familiar tasksRoutine activities that require completing steps in order
become a struggle. This may include planning and cooking a meal or playing a favorite gam
e. Eventually, people with advanced Alzheimer's disease forget how to do basic tasks such
as dressing and bathing.Changes in personality and behaviorBrain changes that occur in Alz
heimer's disease can affect moods and behaviors. Problems may include the following:Depres
sion.Loss of interest in activities.Social withdrawal.Mood swings.Distrust in others.Anger
or aggression.Changes in sleeping habits.Wandering.Loss of inhibitions.Delusions, such as
believing something has been stolen.Preserved skillsDespite major changes to memory and s
kills, people with Alzheimer's disease are able to hold on to some skills even as symptoms
get worse. Preserved skills may include reading or listening to books, telling stories, s
haring memories, singing, listening to music, dancing, drawing, or doing crafts.These skil
ls may be preserved longer because they're controlled by parts of the brain affected later
in the course of the disease.When to see a doctorA number of conditions can result in mem
ory loss or other dementia symptoms. Some of those conditions can be treated. If you are c
oncerned about your memory or other thinking skills, talk to your health care professional
.If you are concerned about thinking skills you observe in a family member or friend, talk
about your concerns and ask about going together to talk to a health care professional.