This Simple Memory Slip Could Be the First Sign of Alzheimer’s
On Tuesday, September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day invites reflection on the early indicators of this neurodegenerative disorder and how to detect them. In France, close to 900,000 people are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. Every three minutes, a new case appears.
The first symptoms can vary, but when several occur together, it’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional. One of the most common and recognizable early signs is memory loss, particularly concerning recent events, while long-term memories usually remain unaffected.
Another warning sign, according to the organization France Alzheimer, is increasing difficulty with daily tasks such as cooking or driving.
“Attention problems may show up as forgetting instructions, feeling like a word is on the tip of your tongue, or constantly losing your belongings. Usually, these symptoms are mild — so mild that loved ones might not even notice, or might just tease you about being forgetful. But genuine memory impairment is different: it means having trouble recalling recent events you’ve been actively involved in. That’s often when family members start to worry and encourage you to consult a specialist.”
Key Signs to Monitor
- Frequent forgetfulness of recent events or conversations
- Difficulty performing routine tasks
- Trouble focusing or maintaining attention
- Misplacing objects more often than usual
When to Seek Help
If such issues persist or worsen, consulting a doctor or specialist can help diagnose the problem early and begin appropriate care.
Author’s summary: Early forgetfulness, especially about recent events, along with concentration problems, may indicate the first stage of Alzheimer’s and call for timely medical attention.