Understanding the early signs of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.

Let’s look at some of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s;

Memory Loss that Disrupts Life:

The most commonly recognized early symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss that goes beyond the typical age-related forgetfulness. People may forget recently learned information, important events, or even struggle to recall familiar faces.

Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems:

Alzheimer’s can affect cognitive abilities, making tasks that involve planning or solving problems more difficult. Even simple activities, like following a recipe or organizing your daily schedule, may become visibly difficult.

Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks:

People experiencing early Alzheimer’s may find it increasingly challenging to complete tasks they have always been able to handle with ease. Their daily activities like dressing, cooking, or using familiar appliances can now become sources of frustration.

Confusion with Time or Places:

Some very common early signs of Alzheimer’s are losing track of time, forgetting dates, or becoming confused in familiar places. People may struggle to understand the passage of time or find themselves in places without a clear sense of how they got there.

Trouble Understanding Visual Images:

A decline in the ability to interpret visual information can occur in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. This may manifest as difficulty judging distances, determining color or contrast, or navigating through familiar spaces.

New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing:

The ability to put your thoughts into words may be lost, leaving you unable to find the right words during conversations or expressing thoughts coherently in writing. This could cause frustration and a sense of withdrawal.

Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps:

Alzheimer’s may cause individuals to misplace items and struggle to retrace their steps to locate them. Objects that are used every day might now be found in unusual places, and the ability to backtrack through their recent actions becomes compromised.

Decreased or Poor Judgement:

Changes in judgment and decision-making can become apparent. You may make poor financial choices, errors in personal hygiene, or show bad judgment when assessing risks.

Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities:

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the individual may withdraw from work or social activities that they once enjoyed. This withdrawal can come from a sense of confusion, frustration, or a diminishing ability to just keep up with the demands of social interactions.

Changes in Mood and Personality:

Alzheimer’s can cause visible changes in mood and personality. Individuals may become easily upset, anxious, or show changes in behavior and personality traits that are not like their typical attitude.

Understanding the early signs of Alzheimer’s is crucial for both the individuals and their loved ones. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, seeking medical advice is essential for an accurate diagnosis and early intervention.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s is important for timely intervention and support.

 

 

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