The process of aging also brings on some normal age-related memory changes -- but some of these memory changes could be possible warning signs of Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Association believes that it is critical for people diagnosed with dementia and their families to receive information, care and support as early as possible -- The following information is designed to help determine if memory changes should be addressed by contacting a physician or the Alzheimer's Association.

Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia, especially if the person begins to forget more often than not and is unable to recall the information at all. It is normal to forget names or appointments occasionally.

Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say is normal, but difficulty performing familiar tasks - finding it difficult to plan or complete everyday tasks or forgetting how to plan and prepare a meal or how to make a phone call is not normal.

Most people sometimes have problems finding the right words to say; however, people suffering from Alzheimer's forget simple words, or substitute unrelated words, making their speech or writing hard to understand.

It's common to forget the day of the week and sometimes where you are going. People with Alzheimer's become totally disoriented to time and place -- often getting lost in their own neighborhoods -- not able to find their way home.

Many times we all make the wrong decision for one reason or another, but Alzheimer's patients often dress inappropriately, wearing too little on cold days and too much or warm days. They also tend to make bad decisions when it comes to spending money, etc.

Most of us don't like balancing our checkbook, but for an Alzheimer's victim, balancing a checkbook is almost impossible because they have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are for and how they are used.

How many times have you misplaced your keys or your wallet? A person with Alzheimer's disease often put things in unusual places: like a toaster in the freezer or a watch in the oven and not know where to look for it.

We all have good days and bad days, but a person with Alzheimer's has extreme mood swings -- going from tears to laughter at the drop of a hat and for no apparent reason.

As people grow older -- their personalities tend to change a bit, but an Alzheimer's patient has dramatic personality changes that include confusion, suspicion, fear or total dependency on someone.

There are days when many of us feel like staying in bed and avoiding all obligations. But those suffering from Alzheimer's disease are often passive, sitting and staring for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual things.

A great resource:
http://www.alz.org/index.asp

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