Alzheimer's symptoms

Alzheimer's disease is a disease in which early diagnosis is essential to delay its progress, as it usually worsens with the progress of dementia.

Although forgetfulness is the most recognized sign of this problem, Alzheimer's can begin to manifest itself with other symptoms like mental confusion, apathy, changes in mood or loss of cognition to perform simple tasks like math math. So it is very important to be aware of all the small changes that can help in the identification of the disease, know all the symptoms in How to Identify Early Alzheimer's. When it affects young people, these symptoms can begin to appear around the age of 30, but the most common is that they appear from the age of 70.

Signs that can help in Diagnosis

Some important signs that can help in the early identification of the disease include:

Memory loss, especially from more recent events; Difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as using the phone or cooking; Disorientation, not identifying the date, the season, the place where you are; Problems of discernment, such as difficulty in dressing according to the season, for example; Language problems, such as forgetting simple words associated with difficulty in understanding speech and writing; Repeat conversations or tasks, due to constant forgetfulness; Changing the place of things, like putting the iron in the fridge, for example; Sudden change in mood for no apparent reason; Change in personality in order to identify in the person apathy, confusion, aggressiveness or distrust; Loss of initiative, with characteristics of disinterest in usual activities, with apathy.

Although forgetfulness is the most recognized sign of this problem, Alzheimer's can begin to manifest itself with the other symptoms and, therefore, being aware of all the small changes can help to identify the disease at a less advanced stage.

When it affects young people, these symptoms can begin to appear around the age of 30, but the most common is that they appear from the age of 70.

How to diagnose Alzheimer's

To make the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease it is necessary to observe several signs and symptoms of dementia. In addition, to confirm what type of dementia it is necessary to perform imaging tests such as MRI or computed tomography.

At the doctor's office, the neurologist may perform a series of tests that may indicate impaired memory and orientation.

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Is your memory good?

I have a good memory, although there are small forgetfulnesses that do not interfere with my day-to-day. Sometimes I forget some things like the question they asked me, I forget commitments and where I left the keys. I usually forget what I went to do in the kitchen, in living room, or in the bedroom and also what I was doing. I can't remember simple and recent information like the name of someone I just met, even if I try hard. It is impossible to remember where I am and who are the people around me.

Do you know what day it is?

I am usually able to recognize people, places and know what day it is today. I don't remember very well what day it is today and I have a slight difficulty saving dates. I'm not sure what month it is, but I am able to recognize familiar places. but I get a little confused in new places and I can get lost. I don't remember exactly who my family members are, where I live and I don't remember anything from my past. All I know is my name, but sometimes I remember the names of my children, grandchildren or other relatives

Are you still able to make decisions?

I am fully able to solve everyday problems and deal well with personal and financial issues. I have some difficulty understanding some abstract concepts such as why a person may be sad, for example. I am feeling a little insecure and I'm afraid to make decisions and that's why I prefer others to decide for me. I do not feel able to solve any problem and the only decision I make is what I want to eat. I am not able to make any decisions and I am totally dependent on the help of others.

Do you still have an active life outside the home?

Yes, I can work normally, I shop, I am involved with the community, church and other social groups. Yes, but I am starting to have some difficulty in driving but I still feel safe and I know how to handle emergency or unplanned situations. Yes, but I am unable to be alone in important situations and I need someone to accompany me on social commitments to be able to appear as a "normal" person to others. No, I do not leave the house alone because I am unable and I always need help. No, I am unable to leave the house alone and I'm too sick for that.

How are your skills at home?

Great. I still have chores at home, I have hobbies and personal interests. I no longer feel like doing anything at home, but if they insist, I can try to do something. I completely abandoned my activities, as well as more complex hobbies and interests. all I know is taking a shower alone, getting dressed and watching TV and I am not able to do any other task at home. I am not able to do anything alone and I need help with everything.

How is your personal hygiene?

I am fully capable of taking care of myself, dressing, washing, showering and using the bathroom. I am starting to have some difficulty taking care of my own personal hygiene. I need others to remind me that I have to go to the bathroom, but I can do my own thing. I need help getting dressed and cleaning myself and sometimes I pee on my clothes. I can't do anything alone and I need someone else to take care of my personal hygiene.

Is your behavior changing?

I have normal social behavior and there are no changes in my personality. I have small changes in my behavior, personality and emotional control. My personality is changing little by little, before I was very friendly and now I am a bit grumpy. They say I have changed a lot and I am no longer the same person and I am already shunned by my old friends, neighbors and distant relatives. My behavior has changed a lot and I have become a difficult and unpleasant person.

Can you communicate well?

I have no difficulty in speaking or writing. I am beginning to have some difficulty in finding the right words and it takes me longer to complete my reasoning. It is increasingly difficult to find the right words and I have been having difficulty naming objects and I notice that I have less vocabulary.It is very difficult to communicate, I have difficulty with words, to understand what they say to me and I do not know how to read or write. I simply cannot communicate, I say almost nothing, I do not write and I do not understand very well what they say to me.

How's your mood?

Normal, I don't notice any change in my mood, interest or motivation. Sometimes I get sad, nervous, anxious or depressed, but without major worries in life. I get sad, nervous or anxious every day and this has become more and more frequent. Every day I feel sad, nervous, anxious or depressed and I have no interest or motivation to perform any task. Sadness, depression, anxiety and nervousness are my daily companions and I totally lost my interest in things and I no longer have motivation for nothing.

Can you focus and pay attention?

I have perfect attention, good concentration and great interaction with everything around me. I'm starting to have difficulty paying attention to something and I get drowsy during the day. I have some difficulty in attention and little concentration and so I can stay staring at a point or with my eyes closed for some time, even without sleeping. I spend a good part of the day sleeping, I don't pay attention to anything and when I talk I say things without logic or that have nothing to do with the topic of the conversation. I can't pay attention to nothing and I am completely devolved.

Alzheimer's symptoms can also be a sign of other degenerative diseases, such as dementia with Lewy bodies. See what are the main symptoms of this disease, which can be confused with Alzheimer's.

How the treatment is done

The treatment of Alzheimer's disease is done by taking medications to reduce the symptoms of the disease, such as Memantine, in addition to the need for physical therapy and cognitive stimulation.

Thus, as the disease has no cure, treatment must be instituted for life and, it is normal for the individual to become dependent on others to perform daily tasks, such as eating, brushing teeth or bathing and, therefore, it is important that there is a close caregiver to help and avoid the patient being in danger. For more details on how to treat read: Treatment for Alzheimer's.

Find out more about this disease, how to prevent it and how to care for the person with Alzheimer's: