You walk into the kitchen…
and suddenly can’t remember why.
You call your granddaughter by your daughter’s name — again.
You laugh it off as “just a senior moment.”
But deep down, something feels off.
Every 65 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s.
Most cases are spotted far too late — when memory is already crumbling and independence is slipping away.
The good news? When caught early, medication, lifestyle changes, and support can slow progression for years.
These are the 10 earliest red flags doctors watch for.
One or two may be normal aging.
Three or more that keep happening? See a doctor this month.
10. Trouble with Visual & Spatial Judgment
(Stairs look steeper than they used to)
Depth perception and contrast fade first — not because eyes weaken, but because the brain struggles to process what the eyes see.
Early clues:
- Hesitating on stairs or curbs
- Bumping into furniture that’s always been there
- Difficulty pouring water without spilling
- Getting confused by reflections or shadows
A 2023 study in Neurology found people with early visual-spatial issues were 5× more likely to develop dementia within 5 years.
9. Disrupted Sleep Patterns
(Waking at 3 a.m. confused, or sleeping all day)
Brain changes wreck the internal clock long before memory fails.
Red flags:
- Sundowning (agitation in late afternoon/evening)
- Day-night reversal
- Wandering at night
- Acting out dreams (punching, kicking in sleep)
Poor sleep accelerates brain plaque buildup — creating a vicious cycle.
8. Withdrawal from Hobbies & Social Life
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