More than one in 10 adults in the United States over the age of 65 are said to have dementia, known to be a devastating disease. Here are the most common signs people should look for
Dementia is a devastating disease that has been described as a ‘time bomb’ as cases soar across the United States, and while the primary symptom is memory loss, there are a number of other warning signs that should be heeded. into account.
Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is a key symptom of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, causing a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. More than one in 10 US adults over the age of 65 are said to have dementia, with one in three retirees dying of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.
The increase in prevalence is thought to be due to an aging population, as people live longer, the more they continue to develop the devastating disease. Dr Oscar Lopez, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh, told the Mirror: ‘It’s a time bomb. Because people are living longer.
“From the neck down we are in really good shape. Because we can deal with heart problems very easily, but the brain is still at risk of dementia. Especially Alzheimer’s.”
The Chicago-based charity Alzheimer’s Association is a charity aimed at ending Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. They hope to do this by advancing global research, advocating for risk reduction and early diagnosis, and maximizing the quality of care and support available to patients.
They say there are 10 key warning signs and symptoms to be aware of, and if any of them are noticed, people are urged not to ignore them and make an appointment with their doctor.
Alzheimer’s symptoms
Memory loss disrupts daily life
The most common sign of Alzheimer’s, especially in its early stages, is forgetting recently learned information. People may also forget important dates or events or may ask the same questions repeatedly.
Another sign that memory loss is disrupting daily life is the need to rely on memory aids, such as writing memo notes or putting reminders on electronic devices, or relying on family members for things that people used to. able to handle on their own.
Challenges in planning or troubleshooting
One of the signs that can manifest with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia is a change in people’s ability to develop and follow a plan or to work with numbers.
People may have trouble following a family recipe or keeping track of their monthly bills. There may also be problems with concentration, with people taking longer to get things done than they used to.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Daily activities can often be difficult for people with Alzheimer’s to complete. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar place, compiling a shopping list, or even remembering the rules of a favorite game.
Confusion with time or place
Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time can be common for people living with Alzheimer’s. They may have trouble understanding something if it’s not happening right away. They may even forget where they are or how they got there.
Difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships
A less common sign and symptom is vision problems. People may end up having trouble with their balance or difficulty reading, they may also have trouble judging distance and determining color or contrast, which could lead to problems with driving.
New problems with words in speaking or writing
People living with Alzheimer’s, or in its early stages, may have difficulty following or participating in a conversation, they may even stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves.
Vocabulary could also be a problem, with people struggling to name familiar objects or using the wrong name, such as calling a ‘clock’ a ‘pointer clock’.
Putting things out of place and losing the ability to retrace steps
One of the behaviors people with Alzheimer’s might exhibit is putting things in strange places. They may lose things and not be able to backtrack to find them. As the disease progresses, they may begin accusing others of stealing as they become confused and frustrated.
Decreased or poor judgment
Changes in judgment or decision making can also change with Alzheimer’s. People may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to things like keeping clean or eating.
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Alzheimer’s can cause people to struggle with their ability to hold or follow a conversation and, as a result, can see people withdraw from hobbies, social activities or commitments. People may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity, and then start to withdraw.
Mood and personality changes
Mood and personality changes can also be experienced by people living with Alzheimer’s. People have been known to become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious and can easily become angry at home, with friends or when they are out of their comfort zone.
Get checked in advance
Dealing with Alzheimer’s is difficult, but it’s important to let your doctor know if you notice anything amiss.
If you see someone you know acting strangely, it’s important to approach things tactfully. A person experiencing symptoms may want to avoid the topic because it is difficult to manage, but getting help as soon as possible can be helpful.
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