Alzheimers is perhaps the neuropsychiatric disorder we most fear in life. In fact, of all health conditions, it's one often everyone fears the most. The fear of losing memory, forgetting loved ones and generally not being able to live independently is heartbreaking, whether you're going through it yourself, or you know someone else who is.

However, it's also incredibly common and more people than ever are requiring neuropsychiatric services as a result of life expectancy increasing and other factors. As a loved one, it's important to identify the signs that could indicate the onset of Alzheimer's in our elderly relatives as it can be really helpful in managing the disease effectively, especially as so many consider some symptoms as simply a sign of ageing.

So, if you have elderly relatives, here are five signs of Alzheimers you may wish to look out for…

1.   Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

While occasional forgetfulness is normal, such as misplacing keys or forgetting names, persistent memory loss that affects daily life can be a major red flag. One of the earliest and most common signs of Alzheimer's is the difficulty in recalling recently learned information. People may repeatedly ask for the same information, forget important dates or events, or rely heavily on memory aids, such as notes or electronic reminders.

In some cases, individuals may forget familiar routes or places they've been to many times, or struggle to follow conversations or TV plots. While everyone experiences lapses in memory from time to time, memory loss associated with Alzheimer's is typically more consistent and severe, disrupting the person's ability to function in daily tasks.

2.   Difficulty In Planning Or Solving Problems

Alzheimer's can cause changes in a person's ability to plan and organise tasks, especially those involving numbers or steps. Tasks that were once familiar, such as following a recipe or managing finances, can become overwhelming. Individuals may struggle to develop or follow a plan or may have difficulty concentrating on tasks they used to perform easily.

For example, someone who has always been good with numbers may begin making mistakes when paying bills or balancing a cheque book. Additionally, they may find it challenging to track monthly expenses or manage appointments. These challenges can lead to confusion and frustration, and may be an early indication of cognitive decline.

3.   Confusion With Time Or Place

As Alzheimer's progresses, individuals may become increasingly confused about time, dates, or locations. They might lose track of seasons, forget the current date, or be unsure of where they are, even in familiar surroundings. For example, they may show up for an appointment on the wrong day, or get lost while driving in an area they've known for years.

This disorientation can also extend to their perception of time itself. People with Alzheimer's may feel as though time is moving more slowly or faster than it actually is. They might struggle to understand the sequence of events, making it difficult for them to recall what happened earlier in the day or plan for future activities. If someone close to you is regularly confused by time or place, it could be a sign that Alzheimer's is affecting their cognitive abilities.

4.   Trouble With Language And Communication

Alzheimer's can have a significant impact on language skills, causing individuals to struggle with finding the right words during conversations or understanding what others are saying. They may stop in the middle of a sentence, unable to continue, or repeat themselves multiple times. Simple words may be forgotten, or they may call objects by the wrong name, such as referring to a watch as a “hand clock.”

In more advanced stages, people may have difficulty following conversations, which can cause them to withdraw from social interactions out of frustration or embarrassment. This change in communication can be particularly noticeable if the person was previously very articulate or enjoyed engaging with others. If a loved one is having increasing difficulty with speech or understanding language, it's important to consider whether cognitive decline is playing a role.

5.   Changes In Mood Or Personality

Alzheimer's doesn't just affect memory; it can also bring about significant changes in mood, behaviour, and personality. Individuals with Alzheimer's may become unusually anxious, depressed, or irritable, especially when they are in unfamiliar situations or are struggling to complete tasks they once found easy. They might also become more withdrawn, avoiding social interactions or activities they used to enjoy.

In some cases, people may develop paranoia or suspicious thoughts, accusing family members of theft or feeling that others are conspiring against them. These emotional changes can be subtle at first but tend to worsen as the disease progresses. A previously calm and easy-going individual may become agitated or easily upset, particularly if their cognitive abilities are challenged.