With an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, you have a
better chance of receiving the maximum benefit from available
treatments-which can help you to relieve symptoms and maintain your
independence longer. Early diagnosis can also provide you with more
time to plan for your future care as well as develop a support
system with your family and friends. Here are 10 signs of
Alzheimer's disease. If you recognize any of these signs, please
see a doctor as soon as possible.
1. Memory Loss
Memory loss is a given with age. We will often forget names or
maybe an appointment, but we will typically recall the name or
remember it after the fact - usually at an inconvenient time like
in the middle of the night. When we begin forgetting important
dates or asking for the same information over and over without the
ability to recall it on our own, it's a sign of something more
serious.
2. Difficulty Problem
Solving
We all make occasional errors when counting change or we
sometimes mistake a ¼ of a teaspoon for a ½ of a tablespoon. We are
human, not machines. However, if you notice you are having
difficulty following a recipe or following a list of things to do
for the day, it may be a sign of changes within the brain that
could be linked to Alzheimer's.
3. Daily Tasks Become Hard
People with Alzheimer's often have trouble driving to a familiar
location such as the grocery store or diner. They might sit down to
play a favorite card game and forget the rules. Tasks of the daily
routine become difficult to complete.
4. Confusion
I often ask myself out loud, "What day is it?" only to answer
myself a few seconds later and get strange looks from the person
next to me in line. With Alzheimer's, losing track of time is more
than just an hour or a day. It can be entire seasons. Those
suffering from Alzheimer's may even get confused as to where they
are or how they got there.
5. Vision Problems
Some (though not all) people with Alzheimer's can experience
some impairment with their vision. Judging distance, colors, and
contrast can become a challenge.
6. Difficulty with Words
We all struggle to find the right word to describe something
sometimes, but people with Alzheimer's will often call a watch a
hand-clock or stop in the middle of a conversation to repeat
themselves. Difficulty joining or following a conversation is also
common.
7. Inability to Retrace
Steps
I seem to misplace items from time to time, but I can typically
retrace my steps to figure out where I might have left something.
Someone struggling with Alzheimer's may find this task too
complicated. They might put things in unusual places (placing the
keys in the refrigerator) or accuse others of stealing.
8. Poor Judgment
Changes in judgment often occur in people with Alzheimer's. They
may give large amounts of money to an unfamiliar organization or
stop grooming themselves in the way they normally would.
9. Social Withdrawal
We all struggle with the weight of work and social obligations,
and sometimes we may choose to opt out of activities for a brief
period of time. Withdrawing from hobbies, work, and social
activities for an extended period of time is another potential sign
of Alzheimer's, as this can indicate changes in the brain or
inability to remember how to complete certain tasks.
10. Personality Changes
It's one thing to become irritable when your routine is
disrupted, but it's something entirely different to become
depressed, anxious, or confused on a consistent basis with friends
or at home. Dramatic personality changes are often seen in those
suffering from Alzheimer's.
For more information about Alzheimer's disease, visit www.alz.org.
<p>Carrie Robertson<br /> Research
& Community Education</p>
<p><a
href="/programs--services/skilled-nursing-care.aspx" title="Chicago
Nursing Homes">Chicago Skilled Nursing</a><br />
<a href="/" title="Chicago Senior Living">Chicago Senior
Living</a></p>
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior
Living