Forgetfullness

• Someone with Alzheimer's disease in its early stages will begin to forget things that they have just learned, such as the name of a person they recently met for the first time. This forgetfulness will increase over time and the individual will have a difficult time recalling things. In time he will often find that it is a chore just to do everyday tasks that should be second nature. Something as simple as using a television remote control can become difficult as the dementia worsens. As the disease advances all or nearly all memory of their own lives, including family members and loved ones, will be lost.
  
  

Disorientation

• Forgetting words or using an inappropriate word as a substitute for one that she cannot quite recall is a symptom of Alzheimer's disease. This will make the person's speech and/or writing extremely hard to follow. Rather than refer to a comb by its name she may call it something else altogether. Disorientation is also a symptom of Alzheimer's, with the sufferer often being easily lost in familiar surroundings and unable to find their way back home. Knowing what day of the week it is or even the year can be beyond the capabilities of someone with Alzheimer's.
  
  

Personality Changes

• Mood changes of a drastic nature are signs of Alzheimer's, with the patient being able to go from being completely calm to very angry in a matter of seconds and for no apparent reason. The personality of someone that has Alzheimer's can also change noticeably, as he can become paranoid, afraid, or exhibit other traits that have not been previously shown. She may have no initiative at all and prefer to simply sleep for long periods of time rather than attempt to engage in a normal routine.
  
  

Impaired Judgment

• People that are afflicted with this ailment will often show incredibly bad judgment. They may dress totally inappropriately for instance, with little regard to the weather or temperature. This behavior will extend to such things as handling money, with the potential existing for a person to have no concept of what things are worth. The ability to handle even a minor emergency such as a broken glass will gradually become nonexistent. It will become harder and harder for an Alzheimer's patient to engage in abstract thinking, with numbers often providing the biggest challenge. Recognizing numbers or even knowing what they are for will escape these individuals. Putting everyday objects where they do not belong is another commonly seen Alzheimer's symptom.
  
  

Health Issues

• In its later stages Alzheimer's disease can cause a number of health-related problems due to its effects on a person. Pneumonia is frequently seen since it becomes hard to swallow when a person is in the grip of the disease, causing the person to aspirate food and liquid into the lungs which can then turn into an infection. Incontinence is another common problem in Alzheimer patients, with the need for a catheter increasing the chances of a urinary tract infection. As the disease precipitates disorientation falls can occur, which lead to broken bones and injuries to the joints and head.