5 early signs that you may have Alzheimer’s disease

A three-minute brainwave test could help detect early memory issues linked to Alzheimer’s disease well before a clinical diagnosis is typically possible, a new study has found.

Developed at the University of Bath, the test - called Fastball - uses EEG technology to monitor brain activity via sensors on the scalp.

The study, published in the journal Brain Communications, involved 52 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) - a decline in memory or thinking skills - and 54 healthy older adults. MCI can be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s, though not all cases progress to the disease.

Results showed individuals with amnestic MCI - a form marked by noticeable memory loss - had significantly weaker responses to the Fastball test.

Here, experts from Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Society shared common early signs of Alzheimer’s to look for.

1. Memory problems: “The first noticeable sign of Alzheimer’s disease is often memory problems, such as difficulties recalling recent events and learning new information,” says Dr Simon Wheeler, senior knowledge officer at Alzheimer’s Society. “This happens because one of the first parts of the brain to be damaged by Alzheimer’s is often the hippocampus, which has an important role in forming new memories. The person is much less able to remember things that have happened recently, but may still have excellent memories of events that happened a long time ago - at least during the early stages.”

2. Thinking and reasoning difficulties: “Alzheimer’s disease also affects thinking and reasoning abilities. A person may have difficulty concentrating or following a conversation,” says Wheeler. Everyday problems that used to be easy to think through become more challenging over time.

“Tasks that involve a series of steps, such as cooking a meal or making a hot drink, may get muddled up and be done in the wrong order,” says Wheeler. “All of this leads to confusion, frustration and a gradual loss of independence.”

3. Language problems: “One aspect of Alzheimer’s most people don’t know is how it affects language,” says Wheeler. “Most commonly, struggling to find the right words. For example, a person may pause while they try to think of the word they want to use. It can feel like the word is on the ‘tip of their tongue’ but then it doesn’t come to them. This can also happen with names of people or places.”

Although something that we all experience from time to time when tired or distracted, Wheeler says it can become quite noticeable in people living with Alzheimer’s.

“They may say ‘thingy’ or similar filler words, even when the word they’re looking for is a fairly basic one,” adds Wheeler.

4. Mood changes: “Many with Alzheimer’s disease become anxious, irritable, sad or frightened,” says Wheeler. “They lose interest in talking to others, or in the activities and hobbies they used to enjoy, resulting in them becoming more withdrawn. It’s often hard to say if these changes are caused by the disease itself or the frustrations of struggling with everyday tasks because of their symptoms.”

5. Changes to how things are seen and heard (perception): “People with Alzheimer’s may struggle to judge distances and see the outline of objects. This can make using stairs or parking a car much harder, for example,” says Wheeler. “They may also find certain noises uncomfortable or upsetting, such as loud music or lots of people in a room talking.”

“If you are concerned about symptoms of dementia such as changes in your memory, communication, personality or behaviour or have worries about these changes in someone close to you, it is important to consult a GP as soon as possible,” says Kirsty Dallison-Perry, head of consultant admiral nurse services at Dementia UK.

“This means other conditions with similar symptoms to dementia can be ruled out and, if necessary, further assessments can be carried out so an accurate diagnosis can be made and the right support put in place.”

Seeking a diagnosis of dementia can be frightening or overwhelming, it is important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible to help manage and treat symptoms more effectively

Although there is no cure for dementia at present, medication and other interventions may be used to help manage and reduce the symptoms in some types of dementia.