September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a movement to educate and raise international awareness. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most frightening diseases to plague our aging population around the world. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, advances in science and medicine can help slow the onset of symptoms. Learning to detect initial signs of the disease is essential for getting treatment in the early stages. There are 5 essential things to look for if you suspect that someone you know may be developing Alzheimer’s disease.
1. Confusion
As we age, it’s true that many of us occasionally forget things now and then. However, people suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease become suddenly confused for no reason, forgetting momentarily where they are or what they were doing.
2. Memory loss
Similar to confusion, but a bit more serious, memory loss can have adverse effects on daily life. This can include forgetting to take medication, forgetting important dates like birthdays and anniversaries or not remembering names. This symptom of Alzheimer’s disease worsens over time.
3. Difficulty writing or speaking
You might notice, over time, that a loved one who may be suffering from this disease will occasionally lack the words to communicate. Alzheimer’s is known to have an adverse effect on a patient’s ability to put words into writing or speech. Also, penmanship may suffer as the disease progresses.
4. Personality changes
Alzheimer’s isn’t just about forgetting memories or words – this disease can result in drastic personality changes. The early may bring about loud outbursts of anger, happiness or sadness. Some people may experience anxiety or paranoia.
5. Poor judgment
As Alzheimer’s progresses, some patients make poor decisions and start doing things that are uncharacteristic or even dangerous. They will no longer know when enough is enough, and they may spend excessive amounts of money, start trusting anyone who knocks on their door and be easily influenced by others.
