Understanding symptoms

People with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias experience a range of symptoms. However, every individual is unique. The presence and severity of these symptoms vary greatly from person to person and can also change from day to day. Most symptoms change gradually over the progression of the disease.

Here are some examples of the different types of symptoms that people with dementia tend to experience. Click on the links below to learn more about each type of symptom.

• Changes in mood (for example, many people with dementia experience depression). Learn more about changes in mood.
• Delusions and hallucinations are symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. With delusions or hallucinations, people do not experience things as they really are. Learn more about delusions and hallucinations.
• Sundowning is when someone becomes confused, anxious, aggressive, agitated, or restless later in the day. Learn more about sundowning.
• Responsive behaviours, which may include such things as agitation and aggression. These behaviours can often be particularly challenging for caregivers. Read more about responsive behaviours.
• Repetitive behaviours, such as repeating the same phrase or action continuously. Learn more about repetitive behaviours.
• Wandering and disorientation, which are a concern for many people with dementia and their families. Understanding why they occur and how to minimize them can be helpful. Learn more about wandering.

For more information and support, contact your local Alzheimer Resource Centre.

Additional resources

• Shifting Focus: Guide to understanding dementia behaviour
• What to Expect (PDF)
• Progression of Alzheimer’s disease: Early stage (PDF)
• Progression of Alzheimer’s disease: Middle stage (PDF)
• Progression of Alzheimer’s disease: Late stage (PDF)