Have you or someone you love been forgetting things lately? It can be normal to take a while to remember someone's name or forget where you put your keys as you get older. But if this forgetfulness becomes so severe that it interferes with your daily activities, it could be an early sign of Alzheimer 's disease. Let's talk about this in more detail.
What are the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease?
The early signs of Alzheimer's disease can vary from person to person. And the severity of these symptoms can vary. But it's important to be aware of these warning signs. Check out the chart below and ask yourself these questions.
| Symptom | Questions to ask yourself |
|---|---|
| Memory loss | This is the most common symptom. Do you easily forget new information? Do you forget important dates, names, and events? Do you hear the same information over and over again? Do you rely heavily on things like Post-it notes to help you remember? |
| Difficulty planning and problem solving | Is it difficult to make a plan and work according to it? Is it difficult to follow even a recipe for a regular meal? When working with numbers, for example, when paying bills, is it difficult to keep track of their balances? |
| Difficulty performing daily tasks | Are even familiar things difficult now? Are you unable to remember the directions to your favorite place to drive? Are you unable to do a simple task at the office? Are you forgetting the rules of your favorite game? |
| Confusing time and place | Do you find it hard to understand something that isn't happening right now? Do you get lost? Do you forget where you are and how you got there? |
| Vision changes | Is it hard to read the words in a book? Is it hard to judge distance? Is it hard to distinguish colors? This can have a big impact on driving. |
| Difficulty with words and conversations | Do you have trouble finding the right words? Do you call things the wrong names? Do you hesitate to join in a conversation? Do you suddenly stop in the middle of a conversation and can't think of what to say? Do you repeat yourself over and over again? |
| Items missing and in strange places | Almost everyone loses things. But can you think back and remember where you put them? Do you have things in unusual places, like your watch in the fridge? Do you accuse others of taking things? |
| Decision-making weaknesses | Have you made any bad decisions recently? Do you make mistakes with money? For example, do you give money away in ways you wouldn't normally give? Have you neglected to keep your body clean? |
| Social isolation | Are you gradually withdrawing from work? Have you lost interest in your favorite hobbies? Are you not interested in anything? Are you watching more TV or sleeping than usual? |
| Changes in behavior and mood | Do you get angry easily? Are you frustrated, afraid, or anxious? Are you constantly suspicious of others? |
It's normal to forget little things as you get older, but if it's becoming a major obstacle in your life, it's important to take care of it.
Alzheimer's disease causes brain function to decline over timeIt decreases. It affects your behavior. The frustration, fear, and confusion caused by these symptoms can lead to mood swings. In addition, physical problems such as insomnia , pain, constipation , and vision and hearing problems can also affect mood.
The connection between Alzheimer's and your eyes
Researchers have found that symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be detected by looking at the retina , the part of the eye at the back that sends visual information to the brain.
Simply put, when Alzheimer's disease develops, a type of protein called amyloid accumulates in the brain. It's like garbage. Studies show that this same protein also accumulates in the retina of the eye. The amount of this accumulation is similar to the amount deposited in the brain.
This protein deposition is linked to changes in parts of the brain that are important for things like memory, orientation, and time perception. Experts hope that this could lead to new ways to detect and monitor the disease early.
Can you get clues about Alzheimer's disease from the way you speak?
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, it can be difficult to remember words. You may use other words for things you don't remember (for example, calling a watch "watch" instead of "watch").
Or, you may start to forget the meaning of some words. While you're talking, you may pause to recall the words or the idea in your mind.
Recent research has shown that people in the early stages of dementia talk less. Specifically, they use nouns less when they speak, and they use them more generically.
If you have these symptoms, should you see a doctor?
Absolutely yes. If you are experiencing these symptoms, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor . He or she will examine your physical and mental health.
They will review your medical history and perform a mental status test that checks your memory, simple problem-solving skills, and thinking skills. They may also do blood tests or brain imaging tests.
Then, he or she may refer you to a specialist in Alzheimer's disease. These people include:
- Neurologist: A doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system.
- Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist.
- Geriatrician: A doctor who specializes in adult health.
Why do we need to see a doctor right away?
The sooner you know about this, the better it is for you. The sooner you start treatment, the better it will be for you to control your symptoms and stay independent for as long as possible.
It also helps you plan for the future. You can plan ahead for things like how you will live, make financial and legal decisions, and build the support of those who will help you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alzheimer's disease
At what age does Alzheimer's disease usually begin?
Most people develop Alzheimer's symptoms after the age of 65. But a very small number of people can develop the disease in their 30s or 40s. This is called early-onset Alzheimer's .
What causes Alzheimer's to develop at a young age?
Researchers still can't say for sure. If someone in your family has had Alzheimer's at a young age, your risk may be slightly higher. But that doesn't mean you will. In rare cases, some people with Alzheimer's have mutations in their genes. If you inherit a mutation, you are more likely to develop Alzheimer's before the age of 65.
What are the warnings our body gives us that dementia is starting?
Some of the early warning signs of dementia include: getting lost in familiar places, frequently forgetting words or recent events, difficulty making simple decisions, and mood swings.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to forget small things as you get older, but if your memory is so weak that it affects your daily activities, it could be a warning sign of Alzheimer's disease.
- Don't just think about one or two characteristics. See if more than one of these characteristics has been present consistently over time.
- Early detection of the disease is very important. It helps a lot in getting treatment and planning for the future.
- If you have any concerns about your memory or the behavior of a loved one, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
Alzheimer's, dementia, memory loss, forgetfulness, brain health, aging, early signs
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