So many people’s lives are touched by the effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. A loved one, a relative, a friend, or someone you know.
An estimated 55 million people around the world are affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills, affecting everyday life.
Since June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, now is a good time to know the 10 warning signs and and symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
- Memory loss disrupting daily life
Forgetting information you learned recently is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s. Forgetting important dates or events, asking the same question repeatedly, needing memory aids such as reminder notes or electronic devices, or relying on family members for things you used to do on your own are all signs.
2) Difficulty completing familiar tasks
People with Alzheimer’s find it hard to complete daily tasks. They might have trouble driving to a familiar place, making a grocery list, or the rules of a favorite game.
3) Confused about time or place
Alzheimer’s affects a person’s ability to track dates, seasons, and passage of time. They may struggle to understand something not happening right now. They may forget where they are or how they got there.
4) Challenges in planning or solving problems
They may find it hard to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. Finishing a familiar recipe may be a struggle. Same with keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than before.
5) Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Vision problems may be a sign of Alzheimer’s. This can lead to struggles with balance or trouble reading. They may also struggle with judging distance and determining color or contrast, which can cause driving issues.
6) New problems with words in speaking or writing
They may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue. They may repeat themselves. Vocabulary can be a struggle. Or they may have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name.
7) Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
They may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and can’t retrace their steps to find them. They may accuse others of stealing, especially as the Alzheimer’s progresses.
8) Decreased or poor judgment
They may have changes in judgment or decision-making. Decisions about money, paying less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean are signs.
9) Withdrawal from work or social activities
Since they may struggle to hold or follow a conversation, they may withdraw from hobbies, social activities, or other engagements. They may struggle to keep up with a favorite team or activity.
10) Change sin mood or personality
They may have mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when they’re out of their comfort zone.
If these signs are familiar to you or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or encourage the person to see a doctor.
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