Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

AD begins slowly. At first, the only symptom may be memory problems. People with AD may have trouble remembering recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things. They may ask the same question over and over again. Simple math problems may become hard to solve. Such difficulties begin to interfere with jobs or other activities.

As the disease gets worse, people with AD may:

• Forget something that just happened even though they can remember events from many years ago.

• Become disoriented and get lost in once familiar places.

• Become passive and lose their initiative.

• Forget how to do simple tasks, like brushing their teeth or combing their hair.

• Not be able to think clearly.

• Have trouble talking, understanding, reading, and writing.

• Stop bathing regularly or eating regular meals.

• Have sudden, unpredictable mood changes.

• Become suspicious and paranoid about other people's intentions and behavior.

• Become confused, anxious or aggressive. Some may become violent or angry, while others may be docile or helpless.

• Wander away from home.

Eventually, persons with AD need total care.

The behavioral problems in AD are not something the person can control. They result from the brain damage that worsens over time.