10 Early Alzheimer's Warning Signs
Alzheimer's: The Early Signs
Alzheimer's is a devastating disease that affects millions of people. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and fatal brain disease that has no cure. However, if caught early, the disease can be treated in a variety of ways to reduce its severity. It's important to watch for the top 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer's; an early diagnosis can make a difference in how the disease progresses.
1. Memory Disruptions That Affect Day to Day Life.
People who have just started experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer's begin to experience forgetfulness, especially with information they have just recently learned. They will also forget important dates and ask friends and family for the same information repeatedly.
2. Difficulty in Figuring Out Visual Images.
Some Alzheimer's sufferers experience vision problems. This includes trouble reading as well as determining distances or colors. In some cases, they may not even recognize themselves in a mirror.
3. Inability to Solve Problems.
For some people with Alzheimer's, figuring out problems that were once easy becomes a difficult task. Even following a familiar recipe can bring up issues. People with the disease may find it difficult to stay focused and complete tasks.
4. Trouble Speaking or Writing.
Alzheimer's disease can cause issues with language. It can make people have difficulty joining in conversations with others. Alzheimer's sufferers can wrestle with language skills, forgetting vocabulary and struggling to complete a story.
5. Loss of Judgment.
Another early Alzheimer's sign to watch for is the inability to use proper judgment. This may show in dealing with money, such as giving large amounts to telemarketers or scams. This could also mean a loss of attending to personal grooming habits.
6. Misplacing Household Items.
Although we all misplace things from time to time, someone suffering from Alzheimer's may place things in strange locations. They may repeatedly lose things and not be able to retrace their steps to find them again. When this happens, they may even accuse someone else of stealing their belongings.
7. Unable to Complete Familiar Tasks.
Someone newly suffering from Alzheimer's disease may suddenly have problems completing tasks they've performed every day, such as finding the way to work, or playing a favorite card game.
8. Trouble Understanding Time and Location.
Alzheimer's can cause people to become confused with time and places. It's easy for someone with the disease to forget what day or even what season it is. They may also forget what time it is and how they got where they are.
9. Temperament or Personality Changes.
People suffering from Alzheimer's disease can become bewildered, wary, discouraged, afraid or stressful. They may become upset easily in everyday situations.
10. Backing Out of Work or Social Events.
Alzheimer's disease can cause a person to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed, including hobbies and sports. They may have difficulties keeping up with these activities, or they may be embarrassed of their symptoms.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's best to consult with a doctor for a full discussion and diagnosis.
For more great articles on mental and emotional diseases and problems please visit the Mental & Emotional Health section on GKHealth.
