What is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer's is a common degenerative brain disease that impairs mental and emotional function in older adults, causing them to lose their memory and ability to care for themselves. Slowly and inexorably, the disease attacks nerve cells in all parts of the cortex of the brain, as well as some surrounding structures, thereby impairing a person's ability to govern emotions, recognize errors and patterns, coordinate movement, and remember. In the final stages, an afflicted person loses all memory and mental functioning. Although there is extensive ongoing research, no cure has yet been found for Alzheimer's. What are the symptoms? The early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may be overlooked because they resemble signs of natural aging. These symptoms include forgetfulness, loss of concentration, unexplained weight loss, and motor problems, including mild difficulties in walking. In healthy individuals, similar symptoms can result from fatigue, grief or depression, illness, vision or hearing loss, the use of alcohol or certain medications, or simply the burden of too many details to remember at once. But when memory loss increases family and friends perceive that more serious problems exist. One clue to differentiating Alzheimer's from normal aging may be the patient's inability to understand the meanings of words. Accompanying sensory problems, such as hearing loss and a decline in reading ability, as well as general physical debility in newly diagnosed Alzheimer's patients indicate shorter survival time. A number of other disorders may be causing these extreme symptoms and must be ruled out before a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can be certain. About 20% of suspected Alzheimer's cases turn out to be one of many other diseases, half of which are potentially treatable or controllable. Strictly speaking, a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's can only be made during autopsy after death. How do I know if my loved ones or I have Alzheimer's? To help determine if you have any of the symptoms of Alzheimer's, the Alzheimer's Association has developed a list of ten warning signs: - Memory loss that affects job skills
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language; continually forgetting simple words
- Disorientation to time and place
- Poor or decreased judgment
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Misplacing things in inappropriate places, e.g. wristwatch in the sugar bowl
- Changes in mood or behavior; rapid mood swings
- Changes in personality; easygoing to fearful and angry
- Loss of initiative
If you or someone you love is experiencing many of these symptoms, you should see a physician for a complete examination. Differences between Normal Signs of Aging and Dementia Normal Signs of Aging Memory and Concentration - Periodic minor memory lapses or forgetfulness.
- Occasional lapses in attention or concentration.
Mood and Behavior - Temporary sadness or anxiety based on an appropriate and specific cause.
- Changing interests.
- Increasingly cautious behavior.
Early Signs of Dementia or Alzheimer?s Memory and Concentration - Misplacement of important items.
- Confusion about how to perform simple tasks.
- Trouble with simple arithmetic problems.
- Difficulty making routine decisions.
- Confusion about month or season.
Mood and Behavior - Unpredictable mood changes.
- Increasing loss of outside interests.
- Depression, anger, or confusion in response to change.
Later Signs of Normal Aging Language and Speech - Unimpaired language skills.
Movement/Coordination - Increasing caution in movement.
- Slower reaction times.
Later Signs of Dementia or Alzheimer?s Language and Speech - Difficulty completing sentences or finding the right words.
- Reduced and/or irrelevant conversation.
Movement/Coordination - Visibly impaired movement or coordination, including slowing of movements, halting gait, and reduced sense of balance.
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