Alzheimer’s disease causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills, as well as other problems. The older you get, the greater your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease. If you notice one or more of the following symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to see a doctor for further diagnosis.
- Memory loss that affects daily life
Asking for the same information over and over again and forgetting important dates or events can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Confusion with time or place
People with Alzheimer’s disease can lose track of dates, the season, and the passage of time. They can also get lost in familiar surroundings.
- Misplacing objects
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places (such as placing car keys in the refrigerator) and then be unable to find them later.
- Difficulty in routine tasks or solving problems
The inability to do tasks that were previously done with ease, such as paying monthly bills or following a recipe, can be warning signs of Alzheimer’s.
- Changes in mood and personality
A change in personality is often a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease will often become confused, suspicious, fearful, depressed or anxious.
- Problems with words or speaking
Verbal capabilities decrease with Alzheimer’s disease. Signs include trouble following or joining in a conversation, stopping in the middle of a discussion, and repeating the same phrase or sentence. However, occasionally forgetting the name of a person or place is nothing to worry about.
- Less attention to grooming
Those suffering from Alzheimer’s often let their appearance go and have issues with cleanliness, such as forgetting to bathe or shower.
Remember that although there is presently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, new therapies that may be able to slow the progress of the disease are being developed and tested. Receiving an early diagnosis may allow you or a loved one to enroll in a clinical trial to help combat the disease. There are also a number of approved medications that can help alleviate symptoms. To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, visit www.alz.org.
4 Responses
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Under personality changes, please include things such as becoming more outgoing after being reserved one’s whole life or being more open suddenly in the case of someone who’s always been quite private… These were very suspicious personality changes that I experienced with my brother who was diagnosed with younger-onset dementia with both Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia starting at around age 56. However, I realize this is about Alzheimer’s, so maybe those traits would not be the case unless it were frontotemporal? Thank you for this article.
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You might want to add local support group information. This is an awful disease and it is good to be aware of the seven points. Thank you.
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Hi Michelle. You can find information local support here: http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp.
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Thanks-Helpful food for thought.
