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In the early stages, the symptoms of AD may be subtle and resemble signs that people mistakenly attribute to "natural aging." Symptoms often include:
- Repeating statements
- Misplacing items
- Having trouble finding names for familiar objects
- Getting lost on familiar routes
- Personality changes
- Losing interest in things previously enjoyed
- Difficulty performing tasks that take some thought, but used to come easily, like balancing a checkbook, playing complex games (such as bridge), and learning new information or routines
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In a more advanced stage, symptoms are more obvious:
- Forgetting details about current events
- Forgetting events in your own life history, losing awareness of who you are
- Problems choosing proper clothing
- Hallucinations, arguments, striking out, and violent behavior
- Delusions, depression, agitation
- Difficulty performing basic tasks like preparing meals and driving
At end stages of AD, a person can no longer survive without assistance. Most people in this stage no longer:
- Understand language
- Recognize family members
- Perform basic activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and bathing
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