The 7 Stages Of Alzheimer's Disease: Everything You Need To Know

3. Subtle Changes – The Earliest Warning Signs

Stage Two — At this point, mild cognitive difficulties may start to emerge, though they are often dismissed as typical signs of aging. A person may occasionally forget words, misplace small items like keys or glasses, or have minor lapses in memory. However, these symptoms are not yet severe enough to impact daily life, and standard memory tests may not detect anything abnormal. Many individuals in this stage continue to function independently without concern, but close family members might notice subtle differences in recall or problem-solving abilities.

4. The First Clues – Subtle Behavioral and Emotional Shifts

Stage Two — Though memory issues in this stage may be mild, changes in mood and behavior can provide early clues that Alzheimer’s is developing. Individuals may become slightly more anxious, irritable, or prone to frustration, particularly when trying to recall a word or locate a misplaced item. Some may also develop an increased sensitivity to stress, struggle with making quick decisions, or experience slight lapses in focus. These small personality shifts, though easy to dismiss, could be early warning signs that the brain is beginning to change.