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Alzheimer's and Dementia Top Ten Warning Signs

What is the difference between normal aging and dementia? Read the Top Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease below and then take the brief quiz below to test your knowledge.

Normal Aging
Alzheimer’s Concerns

1. Memory loss

Examples include sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.


Specifically, trouble remembering NEW information. Memory loss that disrupts daily life such as forgetting important dates or events; asks for the same information over and over again.

2. Challenges in planning and solving problem

Makes occasional errors during tasks like balancing a checkbook.

Difficulty with complex mental assignments, especially tasks that involve numbers, such as balancing a checkbook. A good example is trouble following a family recipe or paying monthly bills.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

Examples include occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a TV show.

Trouble completing tasks that should be familiar, such as trouble driving to a favorite location, brushing teeth, or getting dressed.

4. Confusion with time or place

Confusion about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

Loses track of dates, seasons and time. May forget where they are or how they got there.

5. Vision problems

Problems with vision changes related to cataracts


May have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. A good example is they may not realize they are looking at themselves in the mirror.

6. Problems with speaking or writing

Sometimes has trouble finding the right word.


Trouble following or joining a conversation. May repeat themselves or forget what they’re talking about in mid-conversation. Has trouble finding the right word or calls things by the wrong name.

7. Misplaces things and trouble re-tracing steps

Misplaces things from time to time, like glasses or keys.


May put things in unusual places and has trouble re-tracing their steps. May accuse others of stealing.

8. Decreased or poor judgment

Makes a bad decision once in awhile.

May use poor judgment when dealing with money and pay less attention in grooming and keeping themselves clean.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities

Sometimes feels weary or work, family and social obligations.

May remove themselves from social activities, hobbies, work place, etc.

10. Changes in mood and personality

Develops specific ways of doing things and becomes irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Becomes confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. May be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or where they are out of their comfort zone.

Now that you have reviewed the Top Ten warning signs, take our brief quiz to test your knowledge.