10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's -- Sign No. 9

We may all get tired of our work obligations, family responsibilities and sometimes, social interactions. People who are challenged by dementia or Alzheimer's may appear to distance themselves from work, family and social situations, but the motivation is vastly different than mere weariness. Alzheimer's interferes in an individual's ability to interact in a comfortable way with others and with normal interests and activities. For example, if a person has spent his or her whole life following a sport, like football or baseball, and starts to lose interest and no longer seems to care about team standings, this might be an indication that something is seriously wrong.

In the early stages of Alzheimer's, family members may become upset over the changes that occur in their loved one, misinterpreting the changes as a rejection.

In one case, it became evident that my friend could not distinguish between his grandchildren and their friends. His actions towards the grandchildren were entirely socially appropriate, but because he could no longer remember exactly who he was dealing with, his actions towards their friends were inappropriate and sometimes, embarrassing because they were treated as if they were family members.

The social issues involved in Alzheimer's are some of the most difficult for family members. Going out to dinner with the sufferer may become a trial. It may become apparent that the person can no longer function at church or in a social context.