Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that affects memory, cognition, and behavior.
Often, the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease are related to memory loss, but there are other surprising signs that indicate the onset of the disease. In this article, we will discuss four surprising signs of Alzheimer’s disease besides memory loss.
Difficulty in Planning or Solving Problems
One of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease is difficulty in planning or solving problems. This could manifest as difficulty in following a recipe or maintaining a budget.
People with Alzheimer’s disease may also have difficulty concentrating and taking longer to do things than they used to.
Changes in Personality and Behavior
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it can cause changes in personality and behavior. People with Alzheimer’s may become anxious, depressed, irritable, or suspicious.
They may also exhibit a lack of initiative and become less interested in activities they used to enjoy. Additionally, they may experience changes in their sleeping patterns, frequently becoming agitated at night and sleeping during the day.
Difficulty with Visual and Spatial Relationships
Another surprising sign of Alzheimer’s disease is difficulty with visual and spatial relationships. This could manifest as difficulty judging distance or identifying colors.
People with Alzheimer’s may also have difficulty with balance and coordination, which could increase their risk of falls.
Difficulty with Language
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it can impact language skills. People with Alzheimer’s may struggle to find the right words, or they may forget common words or repeat themselves.
Additionally, they may have difficulty following conversations or organizing their thoughts, which can make it challenging to communicate effectively. As a result, people with Alzheimer’s may become withdrawn and avoid social interactions.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and debilitating illness that affects millions of people worldwide. While memory loss is commonly associated with Alzheimer’s, there are several surprising signs that may indicate the disease’s onset.
By being aware of these signs, individuals and their loved ones can seek help early and take steps to manage the disease’s progression.