Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, affects millions of lives worldwide, robbing patients of their memories and thinking skills. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6 million Americans are living with the disease. Alzheimer's.
When it comes to this disease, recognizing the early signs is essential for timely intervention and effective management. "It is alarming if they occur continuously and are accompanied by a change in the person's ability to function. Usually when a patient comes to me for an evaluation, it happens because family and friends have noticed uncharacteristic or disturbing behavior, and not just memory problems," says Dr. Magdalena Bednarzik, geriatrician at Rash University Medical Center in the USA.
Early signs to watch out for:
1. Memory loss
According to the US National Institute on Aging, memory problems are usually one of the first signs of this disease. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is impaired memory for things that happened recently.
2. Difficulty in solving problems
Alzheimer's can affect a person's ability to develop and follow a plan or to solve problems. Even simple tasks, such as following a doctor's prescription or paying bills, become challenging.
3. Confusion over time and location
People with Alzheimer's in its early stage often forget dates, the season where they are, and lose the perception of the passage of time. They may also have difficulty understanding where they are or how they got to a certain place.
4. Changes in vision and spatial orientation
Alzheimer's can affect visual perception, leading to difficulty judging distances and determining color or contrast. This can cause problems with reading, driving or navigating familiar surroundings.
5. Poor judgment
A person with Alzheimer's may show changes in judgment or decision-making skills. Patients with this disease can make poor economic choices, neglect personal hygiene or show a decrease in attention to the external appearance.
6. Withdrawal from social interactions
Early-stage Alzheimer's can cause noticeable changes in social behavior. Individuals may begin to withdraw from social activities, hobbies, and conversations with others, showing a reduced interest in interactions they once enjoyed.
7. Mood and personality changes
Alzheimer's can cause changes in mood and personality, leading to increased irritability, anxiety or depression. People can get upset easily, be suspicious, or show uncharacteristic mood swings.
8. Difficulty in speaking and writing
Expressing thoughts and following or engaging in a conversation can become challenging for those with Alzheimer's. They may find it quite difficult to find the right words, or to follow the elaborate thoughts that others present.
9. Mental confusion
Confusion and disorientation are common in individuals affected by Alzheimer's, especially in unfamiliar or complex environments. They may forget their location, the current date or the purpose of familiar objects.
10. Aggressive behavior and nervousness
In some cases, Alzheimer's can lead to increased levels of aggressiveness and irritability. This can be distressing for the individual and their carers, requiring patience and understanding.
