Yes! One of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can sometimes show up during everyday activities like taking a shower, because these tasks require planning, sequencing, and memory—skills that are affected in early Alzheimer’s.
Here are some examples of what might be noticed:
- Difficulty sequencing steps
- Forgetting the order of actions (e.g., turning on the water, getting soap, washing hair, rinsing)
- Skipping steps or repeating steps
- Forgetting how to use objects
- Not remembering how to turn on the shower, use shampoo, or adjust water temperature
- Confusion or disorientation
- Getting confused about what day it is, or feeling unsure whether they’ve already showered
- Safety concerns
- Struggling with balance or coordination, leaving the water running too hot or cold
These changes might seem small at first, like occasionally forgetting shampoo or soap, but if they happen often or worsen over time, it can be a red flag for cognitive decline.
Early recognition is important because early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and plan for support.
If you want, I can make a short list of other early warning signs of Alzheimer’s that often show up in daily life. Do you want me to do that?
