How To Discover The Signs Of Alzheimer’s
This condition is a typical disease that affects older adults. So it goes without saying that we ask the following question. Is it possible to diagnose Alzheimer’s in advance? What are the signs of Alzheimer’s? How do I know when it’s time to see a doctor with my relative?
Keep in mind that Alzheimer’s is a disease caused by the deterioration of brain cells and a loss of brain mass. This, in turn, leads to amnesia. In addition, it affects behavior and social interactions.
Early diagnosis is important. The reason for this is that there is no treatment for Alzheimer’s that can cure it. But certain medications can be prescribed. These can delay the development of this condition and also relieve some symptoms.
Is it possible to identify the signs of Alzheimer’s?
Current research aims to detect the onset of this condition at an early stage. But there are still no conclusive methods. What is known is that certain symptoms start to appear.
If these symptoms occur – in other words, if they happen at the same time or during the same period – then we recommend that you consult a specialist immediately. A neurologist is responsible for confirming whether or not Alzheimer’s is present. He will also indicate how you can control it or slow its development.
A progressive disease
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease is progressive. But there are certain stages in its development that we can recognize. In the beginning, the condition is in a mild stage. During that period, the patient slows down slightly.
In general, they begin to lose their language abilities. In addition, they can also lose their way in a conversation. They have a hard time following their own train of thought and that of others. They may also lose their energy and feel exhausted. Sometimes they experience difficulties when trying to learn new concepts or when performing new tasks.
But it can happen that these symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s are not noticed. It can also be confused with the normal aging process.
What are the symptoms?
During the moderate phase of the condition, other symptoms are added. These are more characteristic of Alzheimer’s. So you can recognize them more easily.
Loss of short-term memory
A recurring symptom in people with Alzheimer’s is the loss of short-term memory. Because they won’t remember what they said a few minutes ago. Often they can also ask the same thing.
They also often forget where they left certain objects. But on the other hand, patients with Alzheimer’s will be able to remember events that happened much longer ago.
Loss of sense of space and time
They forget some dates and other reference points, such as the seasons of the year. For that reason, people with Alzheimer’s often get lost. Because they forget how they got to a certain place or what road they took.
Difficulty with reasoning
They get problems with reasoning or thinking with numbers. So it becomes impossible for them to set an agenda. Their coherent rational thinking has changed. This means that they find it difficult to stick to a budget or take certain activities step by step, such as cooking.
Restrictions to perform normal daily activities
It may also become difficult for them to take a bath or shower, come home, perform work activities, and much more.
bad moods
Certain depressive disorders often occur. Patients are also often self-centered. This may be accompanied by anxiety or irritability. In general, the personality of someone with Alzheimer’s changes somewhat.
Confusion with images and objects
Changes in vision are also common. So there can be complications with reading. Estimating the distance between two things becomes difficult or the perception of colors.
Loss of ability to use the language
Patients with Alzheimer’s find it difficult to express in a coherent way what they are trying to say. This can lead to confusion. A common feature in their behavior is that a person stops the conversation and tries to remember the name of something. They may even try very hard with no results.
A patient with Alzheimer’s can also invent new words when they don’t find the right word for a particular thing.
Correct judgment disappears
A person suffering from Alzheimer’s can give money to relatives or strangers for no reason. In other situations, they sometimes pay more than they have to. They can also leave the counter without waiting for their change.
In more advanced stages, the patient is no longer able to make decisions.
Diagnosing the signs of Alzheimer’s can be very complicated. Not all symptoms occur at the same time or appear in the same way in everyone.
So these are signs of Alzheimer’s that warn us that there is a problem. If you notice these symptoms, it is best to consult a specialist. Because first of all you have to rule out all other possible disorders. You can then start the appropriate treatment.
