Alzheimer's Disease: Signs and Symptoms

In order to be diagnosed with alzheimer's, the patient must exhibit a cognitive decline in at least two of the following five symptom areas.

1. Reduced ability to take in or retain new information which can lead to repetitive conversations, or misplacing personal belongings.

2. Impairments to reasoning or judgment

3. Impaired visual abilities that are not pertaining to an eye sight issue, for example the inability to recognize faces or use simple tools

4.Impaired speaking and writing

5. Changes in personality and behavior

Alzheimer's is a gradual onset, over months to years and is marked by a worsening of the individual's normal level of cognition in particular areas. Memory loss is a prominent symptom, especially in the area of learning and recalling new information.