Most people have heard of Alzheimer’s Disease but do not have a clear understanding of its signs and symptoms. Forgetfulness on its own may just be part of the natural aging process. Forgetfulness with confusion may indicate the onset of Alzheimer’s. Here is a check list of signs to look for when this condition is suspected.
Forgetfulness and Memory Problems
These manifest as difficulty in recalling memories and learning and retaining new information.
Language Disturbances
The person struggles to choose the right word and may use a similar-sounding one instead. Speech may become jumbled and nonsensical.
Difficulty in Recognizing Everyday Objects
This is displayed when the person looks at an object such as a hair drier or refrigerator and has no idea what it is or how to use it.
Confusion over Time and Place
The person gets disoriented and confuses the days of the week, months, seasons and years. He may get lost, even when in familiar surroundings.
Inability to Plan and Organize
Bills may be paid twice or not at all. Milk may be placed in an oven to keep it cool. Meals may consist of raw or inappropriate food. Basically, the person loses track of what needs to be done to keep a household running on a daily basis.
Delusions
These often follow a common theme and may include the following:
- Believing a stranger is living in the house and tampering with personal belongings
- Believing that someone is stealing money and personal items
- Believing a spouse is having an affair
Apathy
The person loses interest in once-enjoyed activities and finds it hard to express emotion.
Aggression
Conversely, some Alzheimer’s patients become agitated or overly aggressive to the point where they need to be admitted to hospital or a full-time care facility.
Anxiety
This is often caused by the appearance of other symptoms. The person is aware of being confused and behaving inappropriately and stress and anxiety are the result.
Social Problems
Many people with Alzheimer’s Disease choose to withdraw from human contact as a result of disorientation and embarrassment. In more lucid moments, they realize they are struggling to maintain personal hygiene and are mortified by accounts of inappropriate actions such as undressing or urinating in public.
Physical Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is more commonly marked by mental symptoms but physical problems may arise as the disease progresses. Here is list of what to look out for:
- Tremors
- Rigidity
- Slowness of movement
- Shuffling gait
- Sleep disturbances
- Balance problems
When Alzheimer’s is suspected, it is important to provide the doctor with a full medical history including ongoing health issues and current medications. This is because many illnesses present similar symptoms to Alzheimer’s Disease. A diagnosis is normally made if a cluster of symptoms are present as opposed to just one or two.
 |
 |
