A Guide for Families
Caring for Someone with Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Warning Signs

There are many warning signs for Alzheimer's. For example, memory loss begins to affect daily activities like managing household finances. The individual may become confused, get lost easily, exercise poor judgment, and generally lack a zest for life.

Often a person's memory troubles progressively increase and their attention span shortens. The individual may have trouble recognizing friends and family, organizing thoughts and speaking logically. Other characteristics may be that the individual becomes suspicious, may hide possessions, and can be terribly restless, especially in the late afternoons and evenings - referred to as Sundowners Syndrome.

Eventually people with Alzheimer's cannot recognize family members or even their own reflection in a mirror. Even with good nutrition, weight loss will occur along with loss of verbal communication and bowel or bladder control. Ultimately, Alzheimer's is a fatal disease.