Alzheimer’s disease is supposed to be a neurological disorder where brain cells start to die triggering memory loss and gradual cognitive decline. This is actually a neurodegenerative kind of dementia, and though it starts mildly, it eventually gets worse progressively. When you are experiencing memory loss that is disrupting your normal way of life, it could be an indication of Alzheimer’s. You would gradually witness a slow but steady loss of memory, or even a consistent decline in thinking, as well as, reasoning skills. Here are some common symptoms or early signs of the disease. A patient would be experiencing one or a number of these symptoms in varying degree or intensity. If you notice any such symptoms, get in touch with your doctor at once.
Memory Loss Disrupting Everyday Activities
One of the really common symptoms of Alzheimer’s is actually memory loss particularly forgetting information you have learned or acquired recently. Other types of memory loss include forgetting important events and dates, asking for one and the same information, again and again, more and more reliance on memory aids such as electronic devices or reminder notes. There is an increasing dependence on family members for remembering and doing things that you previously used to do on your own. However, a typical age-associated change is forgetting about appointments or forgetting names but remembering them some time later.
Difficulties in Planning Effectively or Solving Problems
Some patients would be experiencing changes in their efficiency levels. They are not able to develop or follow a strategy or plan effectively. Often they are not able to work with numbers like before. They might develop issues in keeping track of usual monthly bills or following properly any familiar recipe. They would be having problems in concentrating on something without getting distracted. They would be taking relatively much longer in performing activities than before. It is a typical age-associated problem if you make occasional mistakes while balancing your checkbook.
Facing Challenges in Finishing Familiar Tasks at Work, Home or Leisure
People with Alzheimer’s disorder often find it really challenging to complete everyday activities. Sometimes, patients would be having issues driving to a much-known location, remembering the rules and regulations of their favorite sport or game.
Confusion with Place or Time
Patients suffering from Alzheimer’s could be losing track of seasons, dates and even passage of time. Sometimes they may not remember where they actually are and how they landed up there. They may even find it difficult to understand something if the thing is not taking place immediately. It is, however, a common age-associated issue if you sometimes are confused about the exact date or day but would be remembering and figuring out later.
Difficulty in Comprehending Spatial Relationships and Visual Images
Some people would be experiencing visual issues as a symptom of Alzheimer’s. They may be experiencing problems in reading, determining contrast or color, and even judging distance. This could pose some serious problems while driving. However, age-associated symptom could be cataracts.
Issues with Words While Writing or Speaking
People suffering from Alzheimer’s would be finding it difficult in joining a conversation or following one. They may typically stop abruptly during the course of the conversation and they may not have even the slightest idea how to resume or continue any conversation or you would often find them repeating themselves. They would be struggling with vocabulary. They may be calling certain things using the wrong names. They may find it really difficult to find the right word.
Withdrawal from Social Activities or Even Work
An Alzheimer’s patient would be removing himself from social activities, sports, hobbies and even work projects.
Mood Swings
Alzheimer’s patients often experience mood swings and shifts in personalities. They could easily become suspicious, confused, anxious, depressed, and fearful.
Conclusion
See a doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms because with early detection one could get the maximum advantage from the treatments available today. You could consider certain effective treatments which would be instrumental in providing relief from symptoms and maintaining an impressive degree of independence.
