7 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

You might notice small changes at first - a misplaced wallet, a repeated story, a forgotten appointment. They seem harmless, but together they can signal something deeper. Many families assume it’s just aging, but these can be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia and progressive memory loss.

Below are seven early signs of Alzheimer’s dementia that families often overlook — and what research and real-world experience reveal about them. Number 7 is especially easy to miss, yet deeply meaningful when caught early.

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

Your loved one might clearly recall childhood memories but forget what they ate for lunch. This type of short-term memory loss occurs when Alzheimer’s affects the brain’s hippocampus, the center for memory and learning. Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but when memory lapses disrupt daily life and don’t return later, it could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.

2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems

Someone who once handled finances or recipes with ease may now struggle to follow familiar steps. Early Alzheimer’s can weaken executive function - the ability to plan, organize, and make sound decisions. These subtle cognitive shifts are often the first clue of dementia-related decline.

3. Confusion with Time or Place

Frequent questions like “What day is it again?” or dressing for dinner at 8 a.m. can signal early spatial or temporal confusion. Alzheimer’s affects the brain areas responsible for tracking time and location, leading to disorientation or getting lost in familiar environments.

4. Trouble Completing Familiar Tasks

Driving to a regular store or using a household appliance may suddenly feel confusing. This isn’t just forgetfulness — it’s the fading of procedural memory, the step-by-step knowledge of daily tasks. When familiar routines become stressful, early dementia may be the cause.

5. Word-Finding or Communication Difficulties

You may notice pauses mid-sentence or vague phrases like “that thing.” Researchers call this word-finding difficulty, one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. As dementia progresses, language comprehension and fluency decline, making conversations feel frustrating or tiring.

6. Poor Judgment or Risky Decisions

From falling for scams to dressing inappropriately for the weather, changes in judgment or decision-making can occur as Alzheimer’s affects the brain’s frontal lobes. Over time, reasoning becomes inconsistent — something families often recognize only after repeated incidents.

7. Social Withdrawal or Loss of Interest

A once-outgoing person may begin skipping family gatherings or hobbies they used to love. This isn’t always depression; it may be embarrassment or confusion about memory loss. Research shows that social withdrawal often precedes more visible Alzheimer’s symptoms. Early encouragement and emotional support can make a meaningful difference.

What to Do Next

If these signs of dementia sound familiar, don’t ignore them. Keep a record of changes and share them with a healthcare professional. Early evaluation can lead to better planning and more effective memory therapy options.

One proven, gentle approach is reminiscence therapy — a form of therapeutic memory therapy that helps individuals reconnect with their past through stories, photos, music, and sensory experiences. Studies show that reminiscence therapy can improve mood, spark recognition, and strengthen family bonds in people living with dementia or early Alzheimer’s.

At Solim Health, our certified dementia practitioners guide each reminiscence session using advanced, AI-powered visual memory reconstruction. Together, these tools help individuals with memory loss relive cherished moments, reduce anxiety, and promote a deeper sense of connection — one memory at a time.

Understanding Alzheimer’s is the first step. Discover how memory therapy and reminiscence therapy can help you or your loved one reconnect with meaningful moments and improve quality of life. Visit www.solimhealth.com to explore memory support programs, treatment options, and early dementia care resources designed to bring comfort and connection back into daily life.