Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a serious brain disorder that impacts daily living through memory loss and cognitive changes. Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease, progressing from mild forgetfulness to widespread neurological impairment and ultimately death. Chemical and structural changes in the brain gradually destroy the ability to create, remember, learn, reason, and relate to others. As critical cells die, drastic personality loss occurs and body systems fail.
Although not all memory loss indicates Alzheimer’s disease, one in ten people over 65 years of age, and over half of those 85+ have Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, 26 million people worldwide have this dementia, and over 15 million Americans will be affected by the year 2050.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s effects patients under the age of 65. This relatively rare condition is seen more often when parents or grandparents developed Alzheimer’s disease at a young age, and is generally associated with three genetic markers.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s effects patients under the age of 65. This relatively rare condition is seen more often when parents or grandparents developed Alzheimer’s disease at a young age, and is generally associated with three genetic markers.
Signs and symptoms that may mean Alzheimer’s disease
For many, recognition of memory problems in themselves or a loved one brings fear of Alzheimer’s disease. Age-related brain shrinkage does produce normal changes in processing speed, attention, and short term memory, creating so-called “senior moments.” Understanding significance begins with knowing what is normal.SIGNS OF NORMAL CHANGE VS. EARLY ALZHEIMER’S SYMPTOMS
*Normal
$Early Alzheimer’s disease
*Can’t find your keys
$Routinely place important items in odd places
*Search for casual names and words
$Forget names of family and common objects
*Briefly forget conversation details
$Frequently forget entire conversations
*Can’t find a recipe
$Can’t follow recipe directions
*Forget to write down a check
$Can no longer manage checkbook
*Cancel a date with friends
$Withdraw from usual interests
*Miss an occasional right turn
$Get lost in familiar places
What else might be causing these symptoms?
Significant cognitive and memory losses are not symptoms of normal aging. Most people over 65 experience a level of forgetfulness that is merely inconvenient and generally involves unimportant information. Terms like eccentric and senile can mask fears of Alzheimer’s disease, while other conditions may actually be causing mental decline.
Symptoms that mimic early Alzheimer’s disease may result from:
Central nervous system and other degenerative disorders-, head injuries, brain tumors, stroke, epilepsy, Pick’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease
Metabolic ailments- hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, kidney or liver failure
Substance-induced conditions-drug interactions, medication side-effects, alcohol and drug abuse
Psychological factors- dementia syndrome, depression, emotional trauma, chronic stress, psychosis, chronic sleep deprivation, delirium
Infections- meningitis, encephalitis, and syphilis
What to do if you notice Alzheimer’s symptoms
Research shows Alzheimer’s disease causes more worry than any other condition for Americans over 55 years of age. If your family history includes Alzheimer’s and you find yourself forgetting things, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have this disease. Even when you fear the worst, it is important to share your concerns and seek expert advice.
Why not just wait and see?
When symptoms appear suddenly, it is critical to seek medical attention. Conditions such as stroke, drug interactions, tumors, and seizures should be treated immediately. Timely intervention may also control or eliminate symptoms from other physical and psychological factors.
If your symptoms are the result of Alzheimer’s disease, medications can delay the onset of more debilitating symptoms. Early diagnosis can prolong independence and is the first step towards treatment, management, and living life fully.
Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the ten warning signs are:
Memory loss
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Problems with language
Disorientation to time and place
Poor or decreased judgment
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Changes in mood or behavior
Changes in personality
Loss of initiative
Where should I go if I suspect Alzheimer’s?
Although no single test for Alzheimer’s exists, a skilled general practitioner, neurologist, or geriatrician can make a reasonable diagnosis by excluding other causes of your symptoms. Begin by preparing a list of concerns to discuss with your doctor. Ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes and help you remember your questions. If your doctor suspects Alzheimer’s disease and recommends further assessment, ask for support and information from your local Alzheimer’s Association while you wait for a diagnosis.
Can I prevent or inhibit Alzheimer’s disease?
With each forgotten name or misplaced item, memory loss can be frightening. Maintaining a brain-healthy lifestyle, understanding controllable risk factors, and participating in research studies, can increase your sense of empowerment and protect your memory.
For many, recognition of memory problems in themselves or a loved one brings fear of Alzheimer’s disease. Age-related brain shrinkage does produce normal changes in processing speed, attention, and short term memory, creating so-called “senior moments.” Understanding significance begins with knowing what is normal.SIGNS OF NORMAL CHANGE VS. EARLY ALZHEIMER’S SYMPTOMS
*Normal
$Early Alzheimer’s disease
*Can’t find your keys
$Routinely place important items in odd places
*Search for casual names and words
$Forget names of family and common objects
*Briefly forget conversation details
$Frequently forget entire conversations
*Can’t find a recipe
$Can’t follow recipe directions
*Forget to write down a check
$Can no longer manage checkbook
*Cancel a date with friends
$Withdraw from usual interests
*Miss an occasional right turn
$Get lost in familiar places
What else might be causing these symptoms?
Significant cognitive and memory losses are not symptoms of normal aging. Most people over 65 experience a level of forgetfulness that is merely inconvenient and generally involves unimportant information. Terms like eccentric and senile can mask fears of Alzheimer’s disease, while other conditions may actually be causing mental decline.
Symptoms that mimic early Alzheimer’s disease may result from:
Central nervous system and other degenerative disorders-, head injuries, brain tumors, stroke, epilepsy, Pick’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease
Metabolic ailments- hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, dehydration, kidney or liver failure
Substance-induced conditions-drug interactions, medication side-effects, alcohol and drug abuse
Psychological factors- dementia syndrome, depression, emotional trauma, chronic stress, psychosis, chronic sleep deprivation, delirium
Infections- meningitis, encephalitis, and syphilis
What to do if you notice Alzheimer’s symptoms
Research shows Alzheimer’s disease causes more worry than any other condition for Americans over 55 years of age. If your family history includes Alzheimer’s and you find yourself forgetting things, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have this disease. Even when you fear the worst, it is important to share your concerns and seek expert advice.
Why not just wait and see?
When symptoms appear suddenly, it is critical to seek medical attention. Conditions such as stroke, drug interactions, tumors, and seizures should be treated immediately. Timely intervention may also control or eliminate symptoms from other physical and psychological factors.
If your symptoms are the result of Alzheimer’s disease, medications can delay the onset of more debilitating symptoms. Early diagnosis can prolong independence and is the first step towards treatment, management, and living life fully.
Ten Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the ten warning signs are:
Memory loss
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Problems with language
Disorientation to time and place
Poor or decreased judgment
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Changes in mood or behavior
Changes in personality
Loss of initiative
Where should I go if I suspect Alzheimer’s?
Although no single test for Alzheimer’s exists, a skilled general practitioner, neurologist, or geriatrician can make a reasonable diagnosis by excluding other causes of your symptoms. Begin by preparing a list of concerns to discuss with your doctor. Ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes and help you remember your questions. If your doctor suspects Alzheimer’s disease and recommends further assessment, ask for support and information from your local Alzheimer’s Association while you wait for a diagnosis.
Can I prevent or inhibit Alzheimer’s disease?
With each forgotten name or misplaced item, memory loss can be frightening. Maintaining a brain-healthy lifestyle, understanding controllable risk factors, and participating in research studies, can increase your sense of empowerment and protect your memory.
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