- Short Term Memory Loss
- Word Finding Problems
- Asking the Same Question Over and Over Again
- Claims that Nothing is Wrong
- Difficulty Making Decisions and Planning
- Suspiciousness
- Changes in Smell and Taste
- Vision Problems
- Driving
- Paying Bills and Other Money Matters
- Depression
- Changes in Sleep Patterns
- Getting Lost
- Medications
- Can Experimental Drugs Help?
- Telling the Patient He has Alzheimer's Disease

The trend toward earlier diagnosis of Alzheimer's
disease has led to greater challenges,
opportunities, and options for patients and their
families. Early diagnosis can be devastating
to patients who still have the capacity to
understand the meaning of their diagnosis.
Yet the sooner the patients and families learn
about the disease and its symptoms, as well
as its implications for their lives, the better
they may adjust to the challenges and plan
together for their future.

Following is a description of some common
difficulties experienced by people in the early
stages of Alzheimer's disease. Not all patients
experience all of these problems. The
coping strategies offered here are drawn
from practical experience of early stage
patients and their families.