1. Poor memory. Dr. Amen recommends people to consider whether their memory has deteriorated over the past decade. While occasional forgetfulness is natural, frequently forgetting names, places, or popular terms may indicate a problem. Alzheimer’s disease frequently affects the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory formation.

2. Poor judgment and impulsivity. Alzheimer’s can cause the brain to go “offline,” as Dr. Amen explains, resulting in poor judgment and decision-making. Everyday duties, such as financial management, can become burdensome as the frontal lobe, which is responsible for problem resolution and risk assessment, deteriorates.

3. Short attention span. Another warning indicator is difficulty concentrating or staying focused. A short attention span or increased distractibility, unlike lifelong diseases such as ADHD, may suggest early abnormalities in brain function.

4. Low mood and emotional changes Up to 50% of Alzheimer’s patients are depressed. Dr. Amen observes that irritation and mood swings are prevalent when the parts of the brain responsible for emotional control are damaged. Low energy and apathy may also be red flags.