Alzheimer’s is a disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is not a normal part of aging. Although symptoms can vary widely, the first problem many people notice is forgetfulness severe enough to affect their ability to function at home or at work.

The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a list of 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Keep in mind that there is no clear line that separates normal changes from warning signs.
1. Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not a normal part of aging. Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks : People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete common household tasks.
3. Problems with language: People with Alzheimer’s disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand.
4. Disorientation to time and place: People with Alzheimer’s disease an become lost even in familiar environments.
5. Poor or decreased judgment: Those with Alzheimer’s may dress inappropriately. They may show poor judgment about money.
6. Problems with abstract thinking: Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks,like forgetting what numbers are and how they are used.
7. Misplacing things: A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places.
8. Changes in mood or behavior: Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may show rapid mood swings for no apparent reason.
9. Changes in personality: The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.
10. Loss of initiative: A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive, not wanting to do activities they used to enjoy. It’s always a good idea to seek a thorough assessment with a doctor if a person’s abilities seem to be declining.

Doctors have identified other conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms. These symptoms can be reversed if they are caused by treatable conditions, such as depression, drug interactions, thyroid problems, excess use of alcohol or certain vitamin deficiencies.

It can be difficult to differentiate between depression and dementia as they often co-occur.Reports indicate that up to 40% of persons with Alzheimer’s are also depressed. The symptoms of dementia and depression often overlap. Both depressed and Alzheimer’s individuals may display or report loss of interest, irritability, frustration, difficulties concentrating and thinking. Often a person with depression may start to withdraw from others, as can a person with dementia, as they find it more difficulty to communicate due to cognitive decline.

To further complicate matters, it can be difficult to diagnoses depression in people with dementia, especially during later stages as they often have difficulties expressing themselves.  They may lack the insight and ability to accurately describe what they are feeling.  Their depressive symptoms may present with decreased severity, frequency, and duration.  Also, with the diminished ability to express themselves, they may not speak of or attempt suicide.  Often mental health professionals must rely on caregiver report to accurately diagnoses and treat.