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. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease. Knowing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s can help you recognize the disease in its early stages and seek treatment. In this article, we will discuss some of the warning signs that you may have Alzheimer’s right now and what you can do to help manage the disease. We will also provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Warning Signs You Have Alzheimer’s Right Now
Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative disorder that affects the brain and results in impaired 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.
If you are concerned that you may have Alzheimer’s, it is important to be aware of the warning signs. Here are some of the most common signs that you may have Alzheimer’s right now:
- Memory Loss: One of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering recent events or conversations. You may also have difficulty recalling information that you have recently learned.
- Confusion: You may become easily confused or disoriented, especially in unfamiliar places or situations.
- Difficulty with Everyday Tasks: You may have difficulty completing everyday tasks, such as balancing a checkbook or following a recipe.
- Trouble with Language: You may have difficulty finding the right words to express yourself, or you may forget the names of familiar objects.
- Personality Changes: You may become more withdrawn or apathetic, or you may become more suspicious or paranoid.
- Changes in Mood or Behavior: You may become easily agitated or frustrated, or you may experience sudden changes in mood.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve your quality of life.
Typically, people associate Alzheimer’s disease with memory loss. There is a good reason for this since memory loss is the most common first sign of Alzheimer’s. However, other signs can reflect the early stages of the disease and are not so commonly recognized. For example, withdrawal from social activities, problems with words, and changes in mood or personality can all be warning signs of Alzheimer’s. Also, signs and symptoms are different from person to person. So these are generalizations that may not apply to everyone. With this said these are warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
The tendency is for people living with Alzheimer’s disease to withdraw from all social interactions (including family). They may start experiencing difficulties maintaining and following a conversation, which leads them to no longer want to be part of those experiences.
Again this is very variable. People living with Alzheimer’s disease can use the wrong word to describe something (like an object, for example), they may not remember the word they want to use, and/or they may keep repeating the same word. This also contributes to the difficulties in maintaining a conversation mentioned before.
These can be subtle or severe (with a tendency to become more severe as the disease progresses). People living with Alzheimer’s disease can have mood and personality changes. They can become depressed, anxious, and/or confused. These can worsen in certain situations, such as changing houses or routines.
These need to be put into context as many can also occur from the typical aging process. Typically, disease-associated changes occur persistently during a period of time and are not one-time occurrences. For example, we all misplace things from time to time and can retrace the steps that will lead us to find the misplaced object. When a disease process is present, things may be put in unusual places, and the person cannot retrace what they did and where they were in a way that can lead to finding the missing object. Sometimes the person with Alzheimer’s disease can even accuse someone else of stealing the lost object, and this can happen more frequently as the disease progresses.
All of these changes (withdrawal from social activities, problems with words, changes in personality and mood) occur because there is progressive damage and loss of brain cells caused by the disease.
If someone notices changes (in oneself or another), they should talk to a doctor to voice their concerns and get an evaluation. Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is important because it allows people to explore potential symptom alleviating treatments and can help them plan for the future. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
Dr. Rita Guerreiro