While most are familiar with the general symptoms and effects of Alzheimer’s Disease, few are well-versed enough to identify its onset. This is a grievous oversight because, like many diseases, the earlier the patient receives professional medical treatment, the less likely the disease is to progress into something fatal. Here are some of the early symptoms of Alzheimer's you should take note of.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer's disease is a common neurologic disorder that kills brain cells and causes brain atrophy (shrinkage). This disease is the most common cause of dementia, which refers to the progressive decline in cognitive abilities that negatively impacts a person's ability to operate independently. In advance stages of the disease, severe loss of brain function may lead to malnutrition or infection or other complication that can result in death.
There are medications that can temporarily slow the progression of symptoms. Proper care and treatments may help those suffering from Alzheimer's disease to maintain their independence for a time. There are programs and services that can help support those with Alzheimer's disease, providing optimal care in order to slow its progressions.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary from person to person and are often so subtle it is difficult to differentiate it from general changes that come with aging. However, knowing what to look out for and a keen eye, you can help identify the early signs of Alzheimer’s and help your loved ones receive the necessary treatment before the disease progress further. Here are the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Memory Loss
Memory loss is common in older adults and does not always point to Alzheimer’s or other more serious mental diseases. However, one of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in its earlier stages, is the tendency to not remember recently learned information, along with important information like addresses, dates, events. In more serious cases, patients might even ask the same question over and over again. They might also become increasingly reliant on memory aids for simple information they should be able to remember on their own.
Issues With Planning And Thought
Issues solving problems or following through with complex thoughts is another common sign of Alzheimer’s disease in its earlier stages. This is also a symptom of Dementia and often involves struggling to work with numbers or develop concrete plans. This symptom may also manifest in the inability to keep track of their bills or trouble with a recipe that should be familiar to them.
Difficulty Completing Once Familiar Tasks
Finding familiar tasks foreign and struggling to complete them is another sure sign of Alzheimer’s disease. People suffering from this symptom typically have trouble navigating familiar locations like the grocery store, remembering the rules to a well-loved game, or even being unable to find their way home.
Difficulty Communicating
Issues speaking or writing is one of the more noticeable symptoms of the disease. Patients may begin to forget simple words, forget their train of thought in the middle of a conversation, or completely forget the topic of the conversation. This might cause them to repeat themselves or express themselves in a disjointed or incomprehensible manner. There is also a possibility they may have trouble naming common items.
Changes in Mood And Personality
Rapid shifts in mood or a change in personality may also be indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. Those suffering from the disease may experience bouts of depression, paranoia, anxiety, and fear. These feelings may manifest themselves through the patient’s behavior and personality, making them act in a way that is out of the norm. They may also begin withdrawing from their loved ones.
