Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. It can affect memory, thinking, communication, mood and a person’s ability to manage everyday activities. Symptoms are usually gradual and can become more noticeable over time.

In the early stages, changes can be quite subtle. It is normal to occasionally forget a name, misplace your keys or lose track of the day. However, when memory or thinking problems become more frequent and start to affect everyday life, it may be time to speak to a GP.

Recognising possible signs of Alzheimer’s disease can help families seek advice, understand what may be happening and find the right support.

1. Memory Loss That Affects Everyday Life

Memory problems are often one of the first noticeable symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, a person may have difficulty remembering recent events or learning new information.

You may notice that someone:

• Forgets recent conversations or events.
• Repeatedly asks the same questions.
• Forgets appointments or important dates.
• Has difficulty remembering new information.
• Becomes increasingly reliant on notes, reminders or other people to remember things.

Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing. The difference is when memory problems happen regularly and begin to interfere with everyday life.

2. Difficulty Planning, Concentrating or Solving Problems

Alzheimer’s disease can affect a person’s ability to concentrate, organise information and work through problems.

For example, they may find it harder to:

• Follow a familiar recipe.
• Manage household bills.
• Organise their day.
• Make decisions about finances.
• Complete tasks that involve several steps.

Something that was once straightforward may gradually become confusing or frustrating.

3. Becoming Confused About Time or Place

A person with Alzheimer’s may become confused about where they are or what time or date it is.

They might:

• Forget the day, date or season.
• Become confused about where they are.
• Get lost in a familiar place or on a familiar journey.
• Become unsure about how they arrived somewhere.

This can be particularly worrying for the person and their family. Providing reassurance and keeping familiar routines can sometimes help reduce confusion.

4. Finding Familiar Tasks More Difficult

As Alzheimer’s progresses, everyday activities that once felt automatic may become harder.

Someone might have difficulty:

• Preparing a familiar meal.
• Using household appliances.
• Getting dressed in the correct order.
• Using a mobile phone or remote control.
• Managing familiar journeys.
• Carrying out familiar household tasks.

This is more than simply forgetting how to do something occasionally. The difficulty tends to happen repeatedly and can gradually affect a person’s independence.

5. Changes in Mood or Behaviour

Alzheimer’s disease can affect more than memory. Changes in mood and behaviour can also occur.

A person may become:

• More anxious or worried.
• Easily frustrated or irritated.
• More withdrawn.
• Less interested in hobbies or activities they previously enjoyed.
• More frightened or suspicious.

These changes can sometimes be linked to the frustration of finding everyday tasks more difficult, as well as changes caused by the disease itself.

It is important to remember that a person is not deliberately being difficult. Changes in behaviour can sometimes be a way of expressing fear, confusion, discomfort or another unmet need.

6. Difficulty Finding the Right Words

Communication can become more difficult for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease.

They may:

• Struggle to find the right word.
• Pause frequently while trying to remember a word.
• Use general words such as “thing” or “stuff”.
• Lose track of conversations.
• Repeat questions or stories.
• Find it harder to follow what someone is saying.

These difficulties can be frustrating, so giving the person plenty of time to speak and avoiding rushing them can help.

7. Frequently Misplacing Things

Misplacing something from time to time happens to everyone. However, a person with Alzheimer’s may regularly put belongings in unusual places and then be unable to retrace their steps.

For example, they might put their keys somewhere unexpected or leave an important item in a place where it would not normally be kept.

They may also become convinced that someone has moved or taken their belongings when they cannot find them.

Try to respond calmly rather than arguing. Reassurance and helping them look for the item can often be more helpful.

8. Changes in Judgement and Decision-Making

Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s ability to make decisions and recognise potential risks.

This might include:

• Struggling to manage money or regular payments.
• Making decisions they would not normally make.
• Becoming more vulnerable to scams.
• Forgetting important safety steps.
• Choosing clothing that is unsuitable for the weather.

These changes can sometimes create additional safety concerns and may indicate that extra support is needed.

When Should You Speak to a GP?

Seeing one of these symptoms occasionally does not necessarily mean that someone has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Memory and thinking problems can have other causes, including some conditions that may be treatable.

However, if you notice changes that are becoming more frequent or are starting to affect everyday life, it is worth speaking to a GP.

Getting medical advice can help:

• Find out what may be causing the symptoms.
• Identify whether further assessment is needed.
• Explore treatment or support options where appropriate.
• Give the person and their family time to plan ahead.
• Connect families with relevant support and services.

An early conversation with a GP can be an important first step.

If someone develops sudden confusion over hours or a day or two, this is different from the gradual changes usually associated with Alzheimer’s disease and should receive urgent medical attention.

Supporting Someone Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can bring many questions for the person and their family. However, with the right support, people can continue to enjoy familiar routines, relationships and activities that are important to them.

Support should focus on the individual rather than just their diagnosis. Familiar surroundings, consistent routines, patience and clear communication can all help someone feel more comfortable and confident.

For families, having additional support at home can also provide reassurance and help a loved one continue to enjoy their familiar surroundings.

How Home Care Can Help

At Fuchsia Homecare, we understand that every person living with Alzheimer’s disease has different needs, preferences and routines.

Our care workers can provide practical and emotional support with everyday activities, helping customers remain comfortable and independent in their own homes. Support may include help with personal care, preparing meals, household tasks, companionship and maintaining familiar daily routines.

If you are concerned about a loved one or are looking for additional support at home, we are here to help you understand your options.

Final Thoughts

Alzheimer’s disease can affect people in different ways, and symptoms may develop gradually. Recognising changes in memory, communication, thinking, mood and everyday abilities can help families know when it may be time to seek professional advice.

Most importantly, a person is more than their diagnosis. With understanding, patience and the right support, they can continue to have meaningful experiences and enjoy life at home.

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