warning signs of Alzheimer's disease

Clinical manifestations

Normal (N) vs possible Alzheimer's disease (AD)

N: temporarily forgetting a colleague's name

AD: not being able to remember the name (or person) later

N: forgetting the carrots on the stove until the meal is over

AD: forgetting a meal was ever prepared

N: unable to find the right word, but using a fit substitute

AD: uttering incomprehensible sentences

N: forgetting for a moment where you are going

AD: getting lost on your own street

N: talking on the phone, temporarily forgetting to watch a child

AD: forgetting there is a child

N: having trouble balancing a checkbook

AD: not knowing what the numbers mean

N: misplacing a wristwatch until steps are retraced

AD: putting a wristwatch in a sugar bowl

N: having a bad day

AD: having rapid mood shifts

N: gradual changes in personality with age

AD: drastic changes in personality

N: tiring of housework, but eventually getting back to it

AD: not knowing or caring that housework needs to be done

More general terms

• prevention of Alzheimer's disease/dementia