Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the memory, thinking, and behavior of a person.

This disease often starts with mild symptoms and gradually worsens over time, severely affecting a person’s daily activities. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, by the year 2050, the number of people affected by this disease is estimated to reach 13.8 million in the United States alone.

Early detection of Alzheimer’s can help in better management of the disease and provide a better quality of life for those affected. This article will discuss the signs to watch for in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss that affects daily life. People affected by AD may forget important dates, names and events, and frequently ask for the same information repeatedly.

They may also struggle to complete everyday tasks that were once easy.

Forgetting where they put things, like keys or wallets, can also be an indication of memory loss.

Furthermore, people with Alzheimer’s disease may find it challenging to recognize familiar faces or objects, and they may have difficulty following instructions. Misplacing things in unusual places, such as putting shoes in the fridge or milk in the cupboard, is also a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

Difficulty with Problem-Solving

Another sign to watch for is difficulty with problem-solving. This could mean struggling with tasks that were once easy, such as balancing a checkbook or following a recipe.

People with AD may experience difficulty with concentration and may take more time to perform tasks than usual. Moreover, they may have difficulty developing and following strategies to solve problems.

Struggles with Familiar Tasks

People with Alzheimer’s disease might have difficulty completing familiar tasks, which they were able to do previously.

Such tasks include, but not limited to, driving to a familiar place, managing finances, and playing a game that was once easy for them. People might need reminders to complete everyday tasks like taking medication, or they may forget to complete these tasks altogether.

Language and Communication Difficulties

If an individual starts having problems with their communication skills, this could be an early sign of Alzheimer’s.

People with AD may have trouble following a conversation, and they could struggle to find the right words, or use the wrong words when speaking or writing. They may also repeat themselves and have difficulty expressing thoughts.

Mood and Personality Changes

Alzheimer’s disease might also affect the individual’s mood and personality. People affected by AD may become anxious, depressed, or fearful, and become more suspicious than usual.

In addition, they might start avoiding social interactions, withdraw from hobbies or other activities, and become less motivated to engage with others.

Difficulty with Spatial Orientation

People with Alzheimer’s disease might have difficulty with spatial orientation. This means that they might get confused about where they are, where they’re going, and how to get back.

They might also experience difficulty in judging distances, such as mistaking a lamp for a telephone and vice versa. They might also misinterpret images and see things that are not there.

Difficulty in Decision Making

Another early sign of Alzheimer’s disease is difficulty in decision-making. This means that the person might struggle to make decisions, such as what to wear, what to eat, or other simple daily decisions.

They may also have difficulty choosing between two options or following instructions.

Loss of Initiative

Individuals affected by AD may lose their initiative to engage in activities they once enjoyed. They might experience difficulty in planning or initiating tasks. For example, they may watch TV all day long or sleep excessively.

They might also have trouble getting started on everyday activities, like shopping, socializing, or exercising.

Sleep Disturbances

People with Alzheimer’s disease may experience sleep disturbances, including sleeping more during the day and less at night.

They might also experience a disturbance in their sleep cycle, such as waking up frequently during the night or going to bed earlier than usual.

Conclusion

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease can help people with the disease and their families to plan, cope, and treat it better.

By closely watching for the signs of AD, individuals and their loved ones are in a better position to seek medical attention and receive a proper diagnosis.