Our memory changes when we get older and that is normal, but the symptoms of Alzheimers go way beyond simple lapses in memory. People with Alzheimers experience difficulties communicating, learning, thinking, and reasoning, and those problems need to be addressed as soon as someone notices them. These are some warning signs:

Memory loss. Forgetting new information is one of the most common early signs of dementia.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks. Everyday tasks such as preparing a meal, making a telephone call or playing a game become difficult to complete by people with dementia as they lose track of the steps.
Problems with writing or speaking. People with Alzheimers usually forget simple words or replace them.
Confusion with time and place. People with Alzheimers often get lost in their own town or forget where they are or how they got there.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. People with Alzheimers may put things in unusual places. For example, a mug in a shoe rack or a shoe in the fridge. They might also be unable to find those things later.
Changes in mood. A person with Alzheimer may show sudden mood swings. They can be laughing and suddenly start crying for no apparent reason.

These are just some of the signs you should watch out for, but there are many more. The only way to find out is by asking your doctor. Don’t be afraid. The sooner Alzheimers is diagnosed, the better. However, it’s never too late: although Alzheimers should ideally be diagnosed when the first signs appear, getting the right treatment is the most important thing