Recognizing the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s: What to Watch For

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t begin with a single moment of forgetfulness—it often starts with subtle changes that can easily be mistaken for normal aging or stress. That’s why understanding the early warning signs can be so important for getting support and care as soon as possible. If you’ve noticed any of the following patterns in a loved one—or even in yourself—it might be time to start a conversation with a healthcare provider.

1. Repeating Questions or Stories

One of the most common early signs of memory decline is repetition. You may notice your loved one telling the same story multiple times in one conversation, or asking the same question again and again—such as what time a doctor’s appointment is, or what the plans are for the day.

2. Trouble Managing Daily Tasks

Tasks that once seemed routine—like paying bills, organizing medications, or handling taxes—may suddenly become confusing or take much longer than usual. This shift in mental processing can signal early cognitive changes.

3. Getting Lost in Familiar Places

Another red flag is a sudden difficulty navigating familiar routes. For instance, someone might feel unsure of how to get to the grocery store they’ve visited for years or become confused trying to find a well-known doctor’s office.

4. Losing Track of Time

Occasionally forgetting what day it is can happen to anyone, but if someone frequently doesn’t know the day of the week, the month, or even the current year, it may be more than a simple slip—it could point to a deeper concern.

5. Frequent Falls or Changes in Balance

While falls can occur for many reasons, multiple unexplained falls—especially in combination with other cognitive symptoms—might suggest something neurological, such as early Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

6. Withdrawing in Group Settings

It’s common for those in the early stages of cognitive decline to feel overwhelmed in conversations involving multiple people. They may become unusually quiet—not out of shyness, but because following the conversation is becoming more difficult, or because they’re self-conscious about struggling with words.

7. Frequently Losing Items

It’s normal to misplace your keys once in a while. But when someone starts consistently misplacing everyday items—wallets, glasses, phones—and can't retrace their steps to find them, it may be a warning sign.

8. Falling for Scams

A concerning but often overlooked signal is when someone falls victim to a financial scam or phishing scheme—especially if they were once very cautious or financially savvy. Sometimes this is one of the first outward signs that something has changed, even before memory issues are apparent.

9. Losing Interest in Hobbies and Social Groups

When someone suddenly stops showing up to their weekly book club or gives up on hobbies they used to love, it might be more than a lack of interest. Often, people are masking confusion or discomfort. It’s worth digging a little deeper when someone pulls away from previously enjoyed activities.

10. Mood and Memory Are Connected

Mood changes—like depression or increased anxiety—can affect memory, and vice versa. This overlap can make it difficult to know what’s really going on. That’s why a comprehensive evaluation by professionals, like the team at Shore Neurocognitive and Behavioral Health (SNBH), is so crucial. They can help determine whether changes in mood, memory, or behavior are part of a larger picture and help guide next steps.

It’s Not “Just Getting Older”

While aging brings changes, persistent memory issues or behavior shifts aren’t something to ignore. Early detection of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can lead to better planning, more treatment options, and support for both the individual and their loved ones.

If any of these signs sound familiar, reach out to a trusted healthcare provider—or contact our team at SNBH for an expert evaluation. You don’t have to navigate this alone.