How do you know if you have Alzheimer’s?
Have you ever wondered what the signs are that could point to Alzheimer’s?
If you have been forgetting appointments, losing your keys or simply feeling a bit disoriented lately, we have put together a list of 10 common Alzheimer’s symptoms to help you figure out whether you are experiencing the first signs of this disease, or simply the normal cognitive changes that come with aging.
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Normal changes that come with aging vs. Alzheimer’s symptoms:
1. Memory loss that impacts your daily life
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, it is common to start forgetting recently-learned information. Patients also start forgetting dates or events, ask for the same information multiple times, tend to become increasingly dependent on memory aids (like notes or cell phone reminders) and need more help from family members to carry out the tasks that did not use to be a problem.
Normal sign of aging:
Temporarily forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later on without any help.
2. Difficulty planning or problem solving
Some people may experience changes in their ability to establish and follow plans to work on tasks related with numbers. They may find it difficult to follow family recipes or stay on top of with monthly bills. They may also have trouble concentrating and it may take them longer to perform tasks that they used to do easily.
Normal sign of aging:
Making the mistakes every now and again when paying bills.
3. Difficulty completing simple tasks at home, at work or doing leisure activities
People with Alzheimer’s usually find it difficult to complete day-to-day tasks. Occasionally, they may find it hard to find a familiar place, managing budgets or remembering the rules to their favorite games.
Normal sign of aging:
Needing help carrying out tasks that they are not familiar with.
4. Confusion with time or place
Alzheimer’s patients may lose a sense of dates, seasons or the passing of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. They sometimes forget where they are and how they got there.
Normal sign of aging:
Forgetting which day of the week or month it is, but remembering later on.
5. Problems understanding images or distances
For some people, impaired vision can be a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have trouble reading, judging distances and distinguishing between colors or contrasts, which can make it harder to carry out everyday activities like driving.
Normal sign of aging:
Impaired vision related to the aging of the eye, like cataracts.
6. Struggling to read and oral and written communication problems
People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble engaging in or maintaining conversations. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and not know how to continue or repeat themselves. They may have issues with vocabulary, like not knowing the right word to use or calling things by the wrong name (e.g. instead of saying “dog”, they say “cat”).
Normal sign of aging:
Having trouble finding the right word.
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7. Misplacing objects
People with Alzheimer’s tend to put things in unusual places and find it difficult to remember what they have done during the day, so they often misplace their belongings. Occasionally, they may accuse other people of stealing from them. This is a symptom that happens more and more over time.
Normal signs of aging:
Occasionally misplacing things, but being able to retrace your steps in order to remember where you put them.
8. Poor judgement
People with Alzheimer’s may experience poor judgement, impaired critical thinking skills or poor decision-making abilities. For example, they may lose all sense of judgement regarding money and start buying very expensive things that they would never have dreamt of buying.
Normal sign of aging:
Making poor decisions every now and again.
9. Social isolation
People with Alzheimer’s may start isolating themselves from their hobbies, social activities, work projects and usual activities. They may have trouble keeping up with their favorite sports team, or remembering how to do their favorite pastime. They may also want to avoid socializing because of these changes they are going through.
Normal sign of aging:
Eventually getting tired of work, family or social obligations.
10. Mood swings or personality changes
The mood and personality of people with Alzheimer’s can vary drastically. They may feel confused, wary, depressed, scared or anxious. They may become easily annoyed at work, at home, with friends, or in places that force them outside of their comfort zone.
Normal sign of aging:
Developing certain habits and feeling irritated when someone disrupts your routine.
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As well as the symptoms listed above, other Alzheimer’s symptoms include significant changes in behavioral or sleep patterns. Remember that everyone is different, so Alzheimer’s symptoms can vary from person to person. Furthermore, symptoms can present themselves differently depending on the stage of the disease.
If you show one or more of these symptoms, it is important to seek a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.
If you have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, don’t worry. The network of support for Alzheimer’s patients is growing every day and huge advancements are being made in Alzheimer’s research.
Share this information with your loved ones and help raise awareness about how to spot Alzheimer’s symptoms early.
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