Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Memory loss may be common as one grows older but Alzheimer’s disease goes beyond forgetting to pay your bills and losing your keys.

What is Alzheimer’s disease? It is a progressive disease that destroys memory and all other mental functions. Normally, your brain cell connection and the cells regenerate themselves however, when the brain cells start to degenerate and die, memory suffers a heavy toll and one may fall sick. Known also as senile dementia, the disease impairs intellectual abilities and memory enough to interfere with daily life.

Here are warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease provided the Alzheimer’s association

1. Memory loss that can disrupt daily life

Forgetting your anniversary could be a common mistake for most of us but forgetting important dates of your life, heavy reliance on memory aids like electronic devices and alarms, asking the same question or holding the same conversation over and over, may be an alarming sign for Alzheimer’s.

2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

It is common for Alzheimer’s patients to have trouble completing simple and familiar tasks such as driving to a familiar location, completing a grocery list or remembering simple rules to a favorite game.

3. Confusion with time and place

People with Alzheimer’s have trouble keeping track of dates, times, seasons and they may have trouble understanding something if it’s not happening in the moment. They may also forget where they are or how they got there.

4. Trouble with visual images and spatial relationships

Some people may experience vision problems which is a common as one gets older. However, if he or she is having difficulty with balance or trouble reading or have problems judging distance, this may be a major sign of Alzheimer’s. Difficulty in determining color or contrast may cause issues with driving.

5. New problems with words in speaking and writing

Alzheimer’s may make it difficult for someone to hold a conversation. One may have trouble following or joining a conversation or may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue. They may repeat themselves frequently in conversation and struggle with common and familiar vocabularies.

6. Misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps

A person living with Alzheimer’s may put their things in an unusual place. Losing things becomes frequent and retracing their steps becomes challenging.

7. Withdrawal from work or social activities

Another warning sign is seclusion. The disease makes it difficult for them to hold conversations and they may withdraw for common hobbies, social activities and engagements.

8. Changes in mood and personality

Mood and personality changes is common for people with Alzheimer’s. They may display anxiety, depression, suspicion or fearful behaviors.

9. Poor decision making

Having poor judgment with money or giving it away frivolously can be another warning sign. Some people with Alzheimer’s may stop grooming habits or keeping themselves clean.

While Alzheimer’s currently has no cure, an early diagnosis leads to early treatment. This widens the chances of maintaining one’s independence for as long as possible. If you are concerned about a loved one’s memory, consult a doctor for further information and testing.

For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Sources:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs