Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Articles

Diagnosing Alzheimer's: How Alzheimer's is diagnosed

Early symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia

Early symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia include:

  • Memory impairment, such as trouble remembering events.
  • Having a hard time concentrating, planning or problem-solving.
  • Trouble finishing daily tasks at home or at work, such as writing or using eating utensils.
  • Confusion with location or passage of time.
  • Having visual or spacial issues, such as not understanding distance in driving, getting lost or misplacing items.
  • Trouble with language, such as not being able to find the right word or having a reduced vocabulary in speech or writing.
  • Using poor judgment in decisions.
  • Withdrawal from work events or social engagements.
  • Changes in mood, such as depression or other behavior and personality changes.

Alzheimer's dementia can affect several aspects of your daily life.

When warning signs of Alzheimer's dementia appear, it's important that you get a prompt and accurate diagnosis.