Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia. It affects millions of people worldwide, and the numbers are increasing.

Early detection is crucial in fighting the disease so that the person can receive the treatment and care they need. Let’s discuss how you can recognize Alzheimer’s early.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important cognitive functions. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-70% of the cases.

Alzheimer’s disease damages and kills brain cells. This leads to significant shrinkage of the affected person’s brain, which affects their cognitive abilities, such as memory, thinking, and behavior.

What are the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?

The early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can be subtle and hard to notice. They can be misattributed to stress, old age, or other conditions, and that is why early detection can be challenging.

Here are some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease:.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. If you or your loved one has difficulty remembering information, misplaces things, or forgets important events, it could be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.

For example, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may forget an appointment, ask for the same information repeatedly, or forget how to perform a task they used to do easily.

2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks

People with Alzheimer’s disease may find themselves unable to do things they have been doing for years. It could be as basic as cooking a meal or as complicated as managing finances.

For example, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble driving to a familiar location, following a recipe, or paying bills.

3. Language problems

Alzheimer’s disease can cause language problems in the early stages, including difficulty remembering words, repeating phrases, or struggling to follow a conversation.

For example, a person with Alzheimer’s might struggle to recall the names of people or objects, replace words with inappropriate words, or have difficulty understanding what others are saying.

4. Confusion about time and place

People with Alzheimer’s disease can lose their sense of time and place. They might forget where they are, how they got there, or what they are supposed to do next.

For example, a person with Alzheimer’s might get lost in a familiar environment, forget the time of day or season, or mistake a family member for someone else.

5. Poor judgment

Alzheimer’s disease can affect a person’s decision-making abilities and judgment. They might make poor financial decisions, dress inappropriately for the weather, or fall for scams or frauds.

For example, a person with Alzheimer’s might give away large sums of money to strangers or wear a heavy coat on a hot day.

People with Alzheimer’s disease can experience a loss of interest in social activities. They might avoid hobbies, gatherings, or events they used to enjoy.

For example, a person with Alzheimer’s might stop attending family gatherings, avoid hobbies they used to enjoy, or become socially isolated.

7. Mood swings and personality changes

Alzheimer’s disease can cause mood swings and personality changes in the early stages. The person might become agitated, anxious, or depressed when they are out of their comfort zone.

For example, a person with Alzheimer’s might become irritable when faced with new or unfamiliar situations or become easily upset by a change in routine.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is a severe condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Early detection is essential to provide the treatment and care needed to manage the disease.

If you or your loved one experiences any of these early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s essential to discuss them with a healthcare professional. They can review the symptoms, perform tests, and provide a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.