The purpose 0f this list is t0 alert the public t0 the early warning signs 0f one 0f the most devastating disorders affecting older people — Alzheimer’s disease. If someone has several 0r even most 0f these symptoms, it does not mean they definitely have the disease. It does mean they should be thoroughly examined by a medical specialist trained in evaluating memory disorders, such as a neurologist 0r a psychiatrist, 0r by a comprehensive memory disorder clinic, with an entire team 0f expert knowledge about memory problems.

The seven warning signs 0f Alzheimer’s disease are:

1. Asking the same question over and over again.

2. Repeating the same story, word f0r word, again and again.

3. Forgetting how t0 cook, 0r how t0 make repairs, 0r how t0 play cards — activities that were previously done with ease and regularity.

4. Losing one’s ability t0 pay bills 0r balance one’s checkbook.

5. Getting lost in familiar surroundings, 0r misplacing household objects.

6. Neglecting t0 bathe, 0r wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that they have taken a bath 0r that their clothes are still clean.

7. Relying 0n someone else, such as a spouse, t0 make decisions 0r answer questions they previously would have handled themselves.