Identifying the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is classified as a type of dementia that creates problems with behavior, thinking, and memory. Symptoms develop slowly and tend to worsen over time, interfering with the ability to carry out routine tasks. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are around 5.8 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s and the number is expected to reach 14 million by 2050.

In this blog, we’ll highlight a few early signs of Alzheimer’s disease you should look out for in seniors.

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s represents the most common form of dementia which is a general term used for memory loss and cognitive decline that interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s accounts for the majority of dementia cases and is not a normal part of aging. While the majority of cases are found in people over the age of 65, the disease can also affect people younger than that.

Alzheimer’s disease worsens over time. Early stages include mild memory loss with later stages being more severe and depriving the ability to interact with their surroundings. Alzheimer’s also represents the sixth-leading cause of fatalities in the United States. The following are some of its early signs.

Personality or Mood Changes

As people get older, it’s natural for them to avoid going to large gatherings as their motor skills and the ability to hear and see disintegrates. However, changes in the basic temperament or disposition may be early signs of dementia. For instance, a once cheerful person is now constantly displaying signs of anger, distrust, or sadness.

Depression is also known to accompany Alzheimer’s disease causing symptoms such as excessive sleeping, a lack of interest in activities or hobbies, insomnia, hopelessness, lethargy, and a change in appetite.

Issues with Memory

Initial stages of Alzheimer’s include difficulty in remembering recent events with the condition worsening as the disease progresses into its advanced stages. Forgetting why you walked into a room or where you parked your vehicle are normal occurrences that can happen to anyone. However, if the condition becomes persistent and frequent reminders are required then it might be time to visit the doctor.

Difficulty in Expressing Thoughts

A person can have difficulty in maintaining a conversation. It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s to face challenges with vocabulary and call things by the wrong name. Writing or reading might also be impaired and one might resort to repeating the same stories over and over again.

Other symptoms of Alzheimer’s include disorientation, unusual behavior, impaired judgment, poor decision making, and vision problems. AvantGarde is a senior care community in Woodland Hills that provides housing facility for senior citizens with both mental and physical problems including dementia. The facility is home to qualified staff and is equipped with the latest technologies geared towards providing a healthy lifestyle for older adults. Contact us today for more information.