Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
Apr 07, 2026
/assets/images/provider/photos/2840307.jpeg)
More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia that affects neurological functions, including memory, reasoning, and planning.
If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a family history of the disease, it’s normal to worry about what the future may look like. Even though there isn’t a cure, knowing how to identify the early warning signs can help you manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.
At Ample Health in Carmichael and Sacramento, California, our board-certified internists and geriatrics specialists regularly treat Alzheimer’s disease patients and provide support for their families.
This blog highlights some of the early symptoms, so you can get the help you need as soon as possible.
Many middle-aged people worry that they have Alzheimer’s disease if they lock their keys in the car or forget an item on their grocery list, but these are both normal, everyday examples of forgetfulness.
Memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease is much more disruptive and serious. It often appears subtly at first, with difficulty remembering names or information you just learned.
But as the disease worsens, it can make it challenging to perform routine tasks, such as organizing the pantry or paying bills on time. If you go to run errands and can’t remember how to get home, seek professional help.
Alzheimer’s doesn’t just appear suddenly. It develops slowly over a period of months or years. People will often look back and realize that their family members started changing a while ago, but they attributed those changes to getting older.
One of the first noticeable symptoms is difficulty with planning or solving problems. For example, you might forget to meet the registration deadline for an upcoming event or find it difficult to complete a recipe that you used to know by heart.
An occasional memory lapse isn’t anything to worry about, but if these occurrences begin happening regularly, it’s important to identify the cause.
When you’re busy, it’s easy for the days to blur together. But if you find yourself regularly wondering what time or day of the week it is, even after you just looked at the clock or calendar, it may indicate a neurological issue, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
This is especially true if you tend to forget where you are or can’t remember why you entered a room.
Because Alzheimer’s affects the brain, it often causes noticeable personality changes. For example, people who love socializing may suddenly turn inward and avoid spending time with friends or going to their favorite activities.
Alternatively, they may become extremely paranoid or suspicious of others and make unfounded accusations.
Everyone has emotional ups and downs, but if you notice obvious mood or personality changes that seem totally out of character, contact our team.
Alzheimer’s disease is scary, but don’t put off screening if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms. Even if screening confirms a diagnosis, the sooner you take action, the sooner you can take steps to keep symptoms from worsening.
Contact us at Ample Health in Carmichael or Sacramento, California, to schedule an Alzheimer’s disease evaluation. Call our office or book your appointment online. Telehealth appointments are also available, but some evaluations require an in-person visit.