Alzheimer’s - follow up story (Education on Alzheimer’s)
In the August eBounce article titled Education on Alzheimer’s we highlighted what the disease is all about, the causes and treatment options. Below we’ve put together a list of early signs and symptoms of the disease as well as differences between normal age-related changes and those related to Alzheimer’s.
As explained previously, Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thought processes and reasoning skills. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and according to Alzeheimers.org’s (2011 census) there are over 2.2 million people living with some form of dementia in South Africa.
As you get older it’s important to know the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and to go for regular medical check-ups. Here are 8 early warning signs:
1) Forgetting recently learned information
The most common sign is memory loss that disrupts your daily life. Forgetting information such as names, meeting places and dates/times of appointments are all signs of Alzheimer’s.
The typical age-related change:
Sometimes forgetting the odd thing or two (name or appointment) but remembering them later.
2) A change in your ability to problem solve and plan
Some people have trouble working with numbers, solving problems or developing and following plans. For example, following a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.
The typical age-related change:
Making a few mistakes here and there, perhaps when, for example, calculating monthly expenses.
3) Daily tasks are a challenge
People with Alzheimer’s find it difficult to complete daily tasks that would have once been routine and simple. For example, setting the oven timer or remembering the rules of a familiar game.
The typical age-related change:
Occasionally needing help to find their favourite show on Catch Up or using the new dishwasher.
4) Confusion with time and place
It’s not uncommon for people with Alzheimer’s to lose track of the dates, time and seasons. They may have trouble grasping something if it is not happening right now and may forget where they are and why they are there.
The typical age-related change:
Being confused by what day of the week it is but figuring it out later.
5) Being unable to recognise images and judge distances
Vision-related issues such as not being able to differentiate between different colours, reading problems and spatial relationship issues are not uncommon. People with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty driving.
The typical age-related change:
Vision changes such as those related to cataracts or other degenerative diseases.
6) Trouble with words and conversations
Many people with Alzheimer’s find it a challenge to hold a conversation without stopping mid-way through and having no idea how to continue or will repeat themselves. A loss of vocabulary may also be experienced.
The typical age-related change:
Sometimes having trouble finding the correct word.
7) Withdrawing from social activities and hobbies
It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s to remove themselves from social situations due to the changes they are experiencing. They may forget which sports team they follow, stop taking part in their favourite activities or have trouble completing a hobby.
The typical age-related change:
Occasionally feeling tired or not up to social engagements and activities.
8) Overall mood and personality change
A person with Alzheimer’s may seem down, fearful or overly suspicious of people around them. They are more easily upset when out of their comfort zone.
The typical age-related change:
Being set on certain routines and having a specific way of doing things and then being irritated if this is disrupted.
If you or someone close to you are experiencing any of the above warning signs it is recommended that you seek a professional opinion.
For more information on Alzheimer’s: http://alzheimersinaction.co.za/