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Alzheimer’s (AHLZ-high-merz) disease is a
progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability
to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate and carry out daily activities. As
Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality
and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, as well as delusions
or hallucinations.
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s,
new treatments are on the horizon as a result of accelerating insight into the
biology of the disease. Research has also shown that effective care and support
can improve quality of life for individuals and their caregivers over the course
of the disease from diagnosis to the end of life.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Disease
Some change in memory is normal as we grow older, but
the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are more than simple lapses in memory.
People with Alzheimer’s experience difficulties
communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning problems severe enough to have
an impact on an individual's work, social activities and family life.
The Alzheimer's Association has developed a checklist
of common symptoms to help you recognize the difference between normal
age-related memory changes and possible warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
There’s no clear-cut line between normal changes and
warning signs. It’s always a good idea to check with a doctor if a person’s
level of function seems to be changing. The Alzheimer’s Association believes
that it is critical for people diagnosed with dementia and their families to
receive information, care and support as early as possible.
10 warning signs of Alzheimer's:
1. Memory loss. Forgetting recently learned information
is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget
more often and is unable to recall the information later.
What's normal? Forgetting names or appointments
occasionally.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with
dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may
lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a telephone call
or playing a game.
What's normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came
into a room or what you planned to say.
3. Problems with language. People with Alzheimer’s
disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their
speech or writing hard to understand. They may be unable to find the toothbrush,
for example, and instead ask for "that thing for my mouth.”
What's normal? Sometimes having trouble finding the
right word.
4. Disorientation to time and place. People with
Alzheimer’s disease can become lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they
are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.
What's normal? Forgetting the day of the week or
where you were going.
5. Poor or decreased judgment. Those with Alzheimer’s
may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little
clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgment, like giving away large sums
of money to telemarketers.
What's normal? Making a questionable or debatable
decision from time to time.
6. Problems with abstract thinking. Someone with
Alzheimer’s disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks,
like forgetting what numbers are for and how they should be used.
What's normal? Finding it challenging to balance a
checkbook.
7. Misplacing things. A person with Alzheimer’s disease
may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the
sugar bowl.
What's normal? Misplacing keys or a wallet
temporarily.
8. Changes in mood or behavior. Someone with
Alzheimer’s disease may show rapid mood swings – from calm to tears to anger –
for no apparent reason.
What's normal? Occasionally feeling sad or moody.
9. Changes in personality. The personalities of people
with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused,
suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.
What's normal? People’s personalities do change
somewhat with age.
10. Loss of initiative. A person with Alzheimer’s
disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping
more than usual or not wanting to do usual activities.
What's normal? Sometimes feeling weary of work or
social obligations.
If you recognize any warning signs in yourself or a
loved one, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends consulting a doctor. Early
diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other disorders causing dementia is an
important step to getting appropriate treatment, care and support services.
Everyone forgets a name or misplaces keys occasionally.
Many healthy people are less able to remember certain kinds of information as
they get older.
The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are much more
severe than simple memory lapses. If you or someone you know is experiencing
Alzheimer symptoms, consult a doctor.
The difference between Alzheimer's
and normal age-related memory changes
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Someone with Alzheimer's disease symptoms |
Someone with
normal age-related memory changes |
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Forgets entire experiences |
Forgets part of an experience |
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Rarely remembers later |
Often remembers later |
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Is gradually unable to follow written/spoken
directions |
Is usually able to follow written/spoken directions |
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Is gradually unable to use notes as reminders |
Is usually able to use notes as reminders |
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Is gradually unable to care for self |
Is usually able to care for self |
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