Alzheimer's Disease: The Early Stage

The symptoms of the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease come on slowly.  A person with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease may look well and may be able to “cover-up” the signs of the disease.  This stage of the disease is also known as the Onset Period and may last up to five years.  The symptoms include:

• Poor concentration and a short attention span.
• Problems making decisions.
• Short-term memory problems. (For example, forgetting a meal that was just eaten.)
• Forgetfulness, such as forgetting names, dates, how things work or how to pay bills.
• Depression.
• Some personality changes such as becoming cranky, silly, frustrated, or very quiet.
• A very early sign can be changes in the patient’s sense of smell.