10 warning signs of Alzheimer's disease

1. Memory loss: Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. Forgetting names or appointments occasionally is normal.

2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks: People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. They also may lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal or placing a phone call.

3. Problems with language: People with Alzheimer's disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. Unable to find their toothbrush, they may ask for "that thing for my mouth."

4. Disorientation to time and place: They can become lost in their own neighborhoods and not know how to get back home. Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going is a normal age-related memory change.

5. Poor or decreased judgment: People with Alzheimer's disease may dress inappropriately for the weather, such as wearing little clothing against the cold. They may give away large sums of money to telemarketers. It's normal to make a questionable decision from time to time.

6. Problems with abstract thinking: Forgetting what numbers are and how they should be used may be a warning of Alzheimer's disease. A challenge balancing a checkbook is normal.

7. Misplacing things: Someone with Alzheimer's may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.

8. Changes in mood or behavior: Rapid mood swings -- from calm to tears to anger -- can occur for no apparent reason.

9. Changes in personality: They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.

10. Loss of initiative: A person with Alzheimer's disease may become passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities. Sometimes feeling weary of work of social obligations is normal.

SOURCE: Alzheimer's Association