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The symptoms of Alzheimer’s can vary from one person to another. Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of the disease. Decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as finding the right word, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the early stages of Alzheimer’s. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and include increased confusion and behavior changes.
For most people with Alzheimer’s — those who have the late-onset variety — symptoms first appear in their mid-60s or later. When the disease develops before age 65, it’s considered early-onset Alzheimer’s, which can begin as early as a person’s 30s, although this is rare.
Alzheimer’s typically progresses clinically in several stages: preclinical, mild (sometimes called early-stage), moderate, and severe (sometimes called late-stage).
Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Research suggests that the complex brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s, such as the formation of amyloid plaques or tau tangles, start a decade or more before memory and thinking problems appear. This stage, in which changes in the brain appear before the onset of dementia, is called preclinical Alzheimer’s. However, it’s important to note that not everyone with these brain changes develops dementia.
Signs of Mild Alzheimer’s disease
In mild Alzheimer’s, a person may seem healthy but has more and more trouble making sense of the world around them. The realization that something is wrong often comes gradually to the person and their family. Problems can include:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Poor judgment, leading to bad decisions
Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
Losing track of dates or knowing current location
Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks
Repeating questions or forgetting recently learned information
In this stage, more intensive supervision and care become necessary. These changes and increasing needs can be difficult for many spouses and families. Symptoms may include:
Read and share this infographic to learn about how to tell the difference between age-related forgetfulness and dementia.
Increased confusion and memory loss, such as forgetting events or personal history
Repetitive statements or movement, occasional muscle twitches
Signs of severe Alzheimer's disease
People with severe Alzheimer’s cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care. Near the end of life, the person may be in bed most or all of the time as their body shuts down. Symptoms often include:
Inability to communicate
No awareness of recent experiences or surroundings
A common cause of death for people with Alzheimer’s is aspiration pneumonia. This type of pneumonia develops when a person cannot swallow properly and takes food or liquids into the lungs instead of air.
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are medicines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that may help treat the disease. There are also changes that can be made to the home environment and daily activities to help a person manage their changes in thinking.
Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment
Some people have a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s. However, not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s. People with MCI can still take care of themselves and perform their normal activities. MCI memory problems may include:
Losing things often
Forgetting to go to events or appointments
Problems communicating because of difficulty finding words
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For More Information About the Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
800-438-4380 adear@nia.nih.gov www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
The NIA ADEAR Center offers information and free print publications about Alzheimer’s and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health professionals. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.
Alzheimers.gov www.alzheimers.gov
Explore the Alzheimers.gov website for information and resources on Alzheimer’s and related dementias from across the federal government.
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
Content reviewed:
October 18, 2022
If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's & Dementia, please call us at 1-800-438-4380, Mon-Fri, 8:30 am-5:00 pm Eastern Time or send an email to adear@nia.nih.gov