Is It More Likely That I Will Notice My Own Symptoms Of Alzheimer's Disease, Or Will Someone Else Have To Point It Out?

May 4, 2009 -- Question: Is it more likely that I will notice my own symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, or will someone else have to point it out to me?

Answer: Most people who develop the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease -- the forgetfulness, the problems with reasoning and judgment, personality changes -- do not themselves appreciate that this is a problem. It's usually the family or close friends or colleagues who recognize that that person is changing relative to their previous abilities to conduct everyday functions.

So usually, the person who is evaluated for Alzheimer's disease is brought in by family members rather than coming in themselves. They don't see it as a problem.