My grandmother was diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's over three years ago, and we just assumed she was extremely forgetful or just part of old age. I look back now and realize that there were plenty of warning signs long before we even suspected something was wrong. Maybe if we knew the top signs and symptoms, we might have been able to prolong the progression.
Here's the top 10 signs and symptoms:
1. Memory Loss.
Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is unable to recall the information later.
What's normal? Forgetting names or appointments occasionally.
2. Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks.
People with dementia often find it hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may lose track of the steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a phone call or playing a game.
What's normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or what you planned to say.
3. Problems with Language.
People with Alzheimer's disease often forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. They may be unable to find the toothbrush, for example, and instead ask for "the thing for my mouth."
What's normal? Forgetting names or appointments occasionally.
4. Disorientation to Time and Place.
People with Alzheimer's disease can become lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they are and how they got there, and not know how to get home. They may also not know the difference between night and day.
What's normal? Forgetting the day of the week or where you were going.
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| Grandma - Monica, © 2024 thismomneedswine.com |
5. Poor of Decreased Judgement.
Those with Alzheimer's may dress inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the cold. They may show poor judgement, like giving away large sums of money or unaware of hygiene maintenance.
What's normal? Making a questionable or debatable decision from time to time.
6. Problems with Abstract Thinking.
Someone with Alzheimer's disease may have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting what numbers are for and how they should be used.
What's normal? Finding it challenging to balance a checkbook.
7. Misplacing Things.
A person with Alzheimer's disease may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer, a wristwatch in the sugar bowl. Hoarding objects and hiding them keeping them away from others.
What's normal? Misplacing keys or wallet temporarily.
8. Change in Mood or Behavior.
Someone with Alzheimer's disease may show rapid mood swings - from calm to tears, to anger - for no apparent reason.
What's normal? Occasionally feeling sad or moody.
9. Changes in Personality.
The personalities of people with dementia can change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.
What's normal? People's personalities do change somewhat with age.
10. Loss of Initiative.
A person with Alzheimer's disease may become very passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more then usual or not at all, or not wanting to do usual activities.
What's normal? Sometimes feeling weary of work or social obligations.
If you notice any of these 10 signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's in yourself or someone you know, don't ignore them. Please consult your physician.
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