Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is a progressive neurological disorder that causes memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. In this article, experts share the signs of Alzheimer’s and how to recognize them. We’ll also discuss the importance of seeking medical advice if you suspect you or a loved one may have Alzheimer’s. By understanding the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, you can take steps to get the help you need.
Do You Have Alzheimer’s? Experts Share the Signs
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease.
If you or a loved one are experiencing memory loss or other cognitive changes, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Here, experts share the signs of Alzheimer’s to look out for.
1. Memory Loss
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss. This can include forgetting recently learned information, forgetting important dates or events, and having difficulty recalling familiar people or places.
2. Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
People with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty following a plan or working with numbers. They may also have trouble completing familiar tasks, such as balancing a checkbook or playing a game.
3. Confusion with Time or Place
People with Alzheimer’s may lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time. They may also get lost in familiar places or have difficulty understanding where they are.
4. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships
People with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining color or contrast. They may also have difficulty following a map or recognizing common objects.
5. Difficulty Speaking or Writing
People with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty following or joining a conversation. They may also have trouble finding the right words to express their thoughts or have difficulty writing.
6. Misplacing Things
People with Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places, such as putting a wallet in the refrigerator. They may also accuse others of stealing when they can’t find something.
7. Poor Judgment
People with Alzheimer’s may make poor decisions, such as giving away large amounts of money or wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather.
8. Withdrawal from Social Activities
People with Alzheimer’s may start to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed, such as hobbies, social activities, or work projects.
9. Changes in Mood or Personality
People with Alzheimer’s may experience sudden mood swings, become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious.
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease.
Nearly 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease according to the Center for Disease and Prevention Control—a condition that affects the brain that can slowly destroy memory and thinking. It can become so severe that it disrupts daily routine and life. There are several signs of Alzheimer’s Disease to watch out for and Eat This, Not That! Health talked to Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, MBBS, Ph.D. Professor of Public Health New Mexico State University what they are and other important information to know about Alzheimer’s Disease. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Khubchandani says, “The research on Alzheimer’s Disease will continue and has been evolving. Certain modifiable risk factors that have gained a lot of attention recently are drugs to treat high cholesterol such as statins, some blood pressure reducing medications, certain NSAIDs, vitamins C/E/ subtypes of B, and coffee may have protective effects in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition, having multiple chronic diseases and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking are modifiable factors that could increase the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.”
“While memory loss (especially, short-term) is a prominent symptom for Alzheimer’s Disease, it also occurs with age,” Dr. Khubchandani explains. “For example, we all forget dates or appointments, but recall later or understand well that we forgot this (could be due to being busy, stressed, or just with age). In AD, a person may forget dates and appointments, may not recall at all, and completely lose track of date, time, season. This can happen in Alzheimer’s Disease patients despite recently hearing or talking about a certain date or event, repeatedly asking about the dates, or despite an increasing reliance on memory aids (e.g. notes, calendar invites, phone reminders).”
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According to Dr. Khubchandani, “Problems with judgment, decision making, and managing key activities of life (e.g. finances). We all make poor decisions and suffer late penalties for bills in life, but a repeated pattern may suggest Alzheimer’s Disease.”
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Dr. Khubchandani says, “Visual and spatial challenges, confusion with passing time and changing spaces or a location, and lack of orientation are reliable and serious symptoms as they can lead to distracting driving or accidents, lack of balance, trouble reading, getting lost in public places, or losing items and forgetting what was lost and where and how.”
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“Alzheimer’s Disease patients may suffer isolation as well due to the symptoms above and also, because they have trouble with words and speaking, following or joining a conversation, and reduced vocabulary in writing and speaking, Dr. Khubchandani states. “It can happen with age or to all of us when we are stressed, confused, not sure if our speech can offend others, overthinking or being overwhelmed, or under the influence of medications or alcohol and drugs. However, a continued pattern of this problem every day can be a symptom of Alzheimer’s Disease.”
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Dr. Khubchandani says, “Withdrawal, social isolation, behaviors, mood, and personality changes are other symptoms to look for. This could be due to many of the above mentioned issues where Alzheimer’s Disease patients cannot engage much or mental health issues (e.g. depression) that often occur along with Alzheimer’s Disease and aging.” And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.