Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the memory and cognitive functioning of an individual. The disease starts slowly and gradually worsens over time, severely affecting the quality of life of the individual.

Studies show that early diagnosis and treatment can be effective in managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. This article covers the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease to help individuals and their loved ones identify the symptoms and seek help at the earliest.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that causes damage to the brain cells, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline and other behavioral changes.

The disease is named after Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist who first described the condition in 1906. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all dementia cases. The disease is progressive and irreversible, worsening over time.

Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can be critical in managing the symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Here are the ten most common early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease that individuals and their loved ones should keep an eye on:.

1. Memory Loss

Memory loss is the most common and obvious early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Forgetting recently learned information, important dates or events, or repeatedly asking for the same information can be a sign of trouble.

Forgetting names of family members and close friends or losing things often and struggling to retrace steps is also a warning sign.

2. Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks

Individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may experience difficulty performing routine tasks, such as paying bills, cooking or cleaning, tasks that were once easy and automatic.

They may struggle to remember the steps or sequence of the task, leading to frustration and confusion.

3. Misplacing Items

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may often put things in unusual places and struggle to find them later. This can include household items, personal belongings, or even items of sentimental value.

4. Confusion with Time or Place

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may lose track of dates, seasons, or the flow of time. They may also lose track of where they are or how they got there, leading to confusion and disorientation.

5. Poor Judgment

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can show poor judgment with decision making or financial matters. They may fall victim to scams or make poor decisions with their money.

6. Changes in Mood or Personality

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in their mood or personality. They may become confused, suspicious, fearful, or anxious. They can also become easily upset and angry with little provocation.

These changes can lead to withdrawal from social activities and relationships.

7. Difficulty Communicating

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may struggle to communicate their thoughts and feelings effectively. They may have trouble finding the right word or completing a sentence, or they may repeat the same words or phrase excessively.

8. Vision and Spatial Issues

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty with spatial awareness, such as judging distances or negotiating stairs. They may also experience problems reading or interpreting colors and contrast.

9. Changes in Sleep Patterns

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in their sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and staying awake at night. They may also experience sleep disturbances such as restlessness or sleepwalking.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may become less socially engaged and withdraw from hobbies, social activities, and other interests. They may also have difficulty remembering how to take part in activities, leading to a lack of participation.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating disease that severely affects an individual’s quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment can be critical in managing the symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Understanding the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease can help individuals and their loved ones identify the symptoms and seek help at the earliest. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the early warning signs, it is recommended that you seek medical advice as soon as possible.