Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia and can be devastating for those affected and their families. Early diagnosis is key to managing the disease and slowing its progression. In this article, we will discuss some of the sure signs that you may have early Alzheimer’s. We will also provide tips on how to eat right to help manage the disease. By understanding the signs and symptoms of early Alzheimer’s, you can take steps to protect your health and well-being.
Sure Signs You’ve Got “Early Alzheimer’s” — Eat This Not That
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, and it is estimated that 5.8 million Americans are living with the disease. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. Here are some sure signs that you may have early Alzheimer’s.
Memory Loss
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss. This can include forgetting recent events, conversations, or appointments. It can also include forgetting how to do everyday tasks, such as cooking or driving. If you are experiencing memory loss, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Trouble Concentrating
Another sign of Alzheimer’s is difficulty concentrating. This can include difficulty following conversations, difficulty understanding instructions, or difficulty completing tasks. If you are having trouble concentrating, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Changes in Mood or Personality
Changes in mood or personality can also be a sign of Alzheimer’s. This can include becoming more withdrawn, irritable, or anxious. If you are experiencing changes in mood or personality, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Eat This, Not That
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for those with Alzheimer’s. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function. It is also important to limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats. Eating a healthy diet can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
The most prevalent type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. And it is a neurodegenerative disease that negatively affects memory and other cognitive function, before advancing to the point where it interferes with everyday operations. Alzheimer’s disease typically affects older adults above the age of 65, but it sometimes affects younger people in their 30s and 40s as well. When this happens it is known as early onset Alzheimer’s disease (a.k.a. early Alzheimer’s). Early Alzheimer’s affects a relatively tiny percentage of people and the people are usually in their 40s and 50s when the disease gains ground. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Dr. Karen Sullivan, a certified clinical neuropsychologist who shares the warning signs to look out for when developing early Alzheimer’s. Read on to find out the telltale signs that show that you or your loved one may be developing early Alzheimer’s.
According to Dr. Sullivan, “Recent research suggests that the earliest and most common outward sign of Alzheimer’s disease is apathy or a loss of motivation for the things a person used to enjoy. These symptoms are often mistaken for depression or a part of normal aging. While some symptoms of apathy and depression overlap – like withdrawing from family and friends and reduced initiation – people with brain-based apathy do not express the symptoms more associated with depression, like feeling guilty, hopeless, or sad.”
Dr. Sullivan explains that “a characteristic symptom of early Alzheimer’s disease is called anosognosia. This is a brain-based inability to have insight or awareness about cognitive changes that are happening. This is often mistaken for psychological defensiveness, where family members think their loved one is resistant to admitting cognitive changes or is in denial that they have a memory problem.”
Dr. Sullivan revealed that “struggling with rapid recall can be a part of normal aging but failing to recall an event with cueing and prompting may be a sign of what brain health providers call an amnestic memory – the tell-tale memory deficit of Alzheimer’s disease. Amnestic memory symptoms also show up in people asking repetitive questions or telling the same stories in a short time frame.”
According to Dr. Sullivan, “a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease goes beyond just a decline in memory. In addition to cognitive change, neuropsychologists also assess an area of function called instrumental activities of daily living. This is our ability to conduct the business of everyday life independently and without assistance. These activities include things like driving and remembering to take our daily medication. But the first and most sensitive area affected is managing complex finances. The earliest financial changes in Alzheimer’s include paying the wrong bill, new difficulty balancing a checkbook, and resetting passwords numerous times.”
Dr. Sullivan shares, “early vision changes are some of the most underappreciated symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease. These do not happen in acuity (i.e., the ability to see objects clearly). Rather, these changes manifest in contrast sensitivity (the ability to perceive sharp and clear edges of objects) and specific color perception mainly in the blue hues. People with early Alzheimer’s disease will often ask for an updated prescription for their glasses, but this doesn’t solve the problem.”
Dr. Sullivan revealed that “most people with Alzheimer’s disease develop the condition through a complex interaction of genetic and lifestyle risk factors. The younger people are when they develop the symptoms of dementia, the more likely it is to be genetic. If you have someone in your family that developed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease under the age of 65, you are at a higher risk.”
Richard Adefioye