Alzheimers Disease is a scary part of aging. Memory loss affects us all from time to time, but true Dimentia and Alzheimer’s is totally different and a lot more severe. As our elderly population increases the frequency of Alzheimer’s disease also continues to increase. Ten percent of people over 65 years of age and 50% of those over 85 years of age have Alzheimer’s disease.
The Alzheimer’s Association has developed the following list of warning signs that include common symptoms of AD. Early detection and diagnosis can help greatly with the treatment and caregiving plan for the patient.
1. Memory Loss
2. Misplacing things
3. Difficulty performing tasks
4. Problems with language
5. Disorientation
6. Mood swings or aggressiveness
7. Change of personality
8. Loss of initiative
9. Poor judgment
10. Problems with abstract thinking
Some of the above mentioned symptoms may seem normal at any age, however in an Alzheimer’s patient they are substantial. Not just the every day forgetfulness.
The memory loss is the most apparent in the early stages. Forgetting names, is common for all of us but forgetting family members, or entire events is more likely Alzheimer’s.
Misplacing things, again is quite common amongst all of us, but an Alzheimer’s patient will put things in strange places, like a blow dryer in the freezer or fruit in the toilet.
An alzheimer’s patient will also struggle with performing familiar tasks. They can forget the basic steps to tasks like preparing a meal or showering
Language problems are common as well. They will forget the name of an item fro example a hairbrush. They may say “that thing for my hair” instead
Disorientation is a very dangerous part of AD. Patients who show this type of symptom put themselves at great risk. Getting lost and finding themselves far from home is scary for the patient as well as the family members.
Rapid mood swings are another telltale sign. Bouts of crying for no apparent reason, or unusual aggressiveness are other things to look out for.
Personality changes are also a big factor with AD patients. Fearfulness, Paranoia and independence are all expected signs.
A person dealing with the onset of AD may have no drive, no ambition, no desire to get up and go, or do anything.
Poor judgement comes into play often as well. Many AD patients are victims of scam artists and con-men and give away large sums of money or other valuables.
An AD patient may also have trouble with complex thinking, involving numbers, or basic math concepts.
As most of us are aware the onset of AD is gradual. Early treatment is beneficial to the patient and the families involved. This disease is being widely studied and there are many promising treatments on the horizon.