Does your mother, father, or grandmother or grandfather forget things as they get older? It's normal to sometimes forget where you put your glasses or your keys. However, if this forgetfulness is severe enough to interfere with your daily activities, it could be a sign of Alzheimer's disease. This is a progressive disease that affects the brain and progresses over time. Let's talk about this in detail.
First, let's understand this. Dementia is a general term for conditions that impair mental processes such as memory, thinking, and reasoning. Alzheimer's is a common disease that belongs to that category of dementia. That is, not all dementia is Alzheimer's, but Alzheimer's is a type of dementia.
What are the symptoms of the early stage (mild stage) of the disease?
The disease begins very slowly at first. This early stage may last for about two to four years. The symptoms that can be seen during this period are:
- Loss of interest in anything: You lose interest in things you used to enjoy, such as social activities or going out with friends, and spend more time watching TV or sleeping.
- Forgetting recent events: Forgetting recent events and conversations, such as what was said yesterday or what you ate for breakfast.
- Difficulty finding words: It becomes difficult to put what is on your mind into words and understand what others are saying.
- Difficulty with simple tasks: Difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as following a recipe, writing a checkbook, or paying a bill.
- Mood swings: You may experience things like feeling sad and depressed like you never had before.
- Forgetting even familiar routes: If you drive a vehicle, you can get lost even on your usual route.
- Minor coordination problems: Minor difficulties may occur when writing or using a familiar instrument.
Other conditions that look like Alzheimer's
Just because you have one or two of these symptoms doesn't mean it's Alzheimer's. There are other treatable conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Therefore, it's important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
| Condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Metabolism Issues | Things like thyroid problems can affect memory. Treating these can help improve memory problems. |
| Drug and alcohol use | Long-term drug or alcohol use can damage the brain and cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer's. |
| Incompatibility of medications | Medications for different illnesses may not be compatible with each other, which can affect memory. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking. |
| Parkinson's disease | Although this is also a brain disease, in the early stages, movement-related problems (such as tremors) are more common than memory problems. |
| Stress | Severe stress can make it difficult to think clearly. This condition improves when stress is reduced. However, Alzheimer's disease gradually worsens. |
| Depression | Memory loss and difficulty thinking are common in depression. These conditions can be treated with counseling and medication. |
What is the moderate stage of the disease like?
This is the stage when memory loss begins to seriously affect daily life. This can last anywhere from two to ten years.
Imagine not being able to recognize your own daughter or son. You forget important things in life, like where you went to school and the day you got married.
Other symptoms may be seen at this stage:
- Reading the same thing over and over again, talking about unrelated things.
- Unable to find the right words, using the wrong words.
- Inability to plan something, unable to solve a problem.
- Confusion about time and place. You may feel lost even in a familiar place. You may wonder, "How did I get here?"
- Not dressing appropriately for the weather.
- They get angry easily, get agitated, and sometimes even scold those they care for.
- Change in sleep patterns, frequent wandering.
- Delusions that the person being cared for is harming them.
Severe Stage
This is the final and most severe stage of the disease. It usually lasts from one to three years. During this time, the patient becomes almost completely dependent on others.
- The past and the present are completely intertwined.
- It becomes extremely difficult to express ideas, remember things, and understand.
- It becomes difficult to swallow food. You lose control of your urine and stool.
- Weight loss, seizures, and skin infections occur.
- It can be hallucinations, where you see or hear things that are not there.
- I can't move around or walk alone.
Physical characteristics
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the body also shows symptoms due to damage to the brain.
- You lose your balance and fall while walking.
- They walk with dragging legs.
- The muscles become weak and feel stiff.
- They can enter the airways during food or water intake (aspiration), which can cause infections such as pneumonia.
- Bedsores can occur due to staying in the same position.
Are there tests to diagnose Alzheimer's disease?
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's, the best thing to do is to see a qualified doctor immediately.
There is no single test that can confirm Alzheimer's disease, but doctors use several tests together to reach a diagnosis.
- Neurological exams
- Cognitive assessments
- Brain scans, that is, MRI, CT, or PET scans.
- Sometimes cerebrospinal fluid tests are performed
The doctor arrives at a diagnosis by combining the information obtained from these tests and considering it with the patient's history.
Take-Home Message
- Alzheimer's is a disease that affects the brain and worsens over time. It is the most common type of dementia.
- Although the main symptom is memory loss, it also includes behavioral changes, difficulty thinking, and difficulty performing daily tasks.
- The disease progresses in three main stages (mild, moderate, and severe).
- If someone in your family is showing these symptoms, don't ignore them. Don't just assume, "This is just how it is when you get older," but see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Since there are other treatable conditions that can mimic Alzheimer's, it is very important to seek proper medical advice.
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