The signs of Alzheimer’s disease appear slowly and gradually, affecting the patient’s life and everyone around them. Therefore, an early diagnosis can help to better cope with the problem.
Identifying the signs of Alzheimer’s in the early stages is key to effective treatment and ensuring a higher quality of life and well-being for the patient.
The signs of Alzheimer’s significantly impact the patient’s routine and quality of life, making it challenging to socialize and perform basic tasks.
It is a degenerative disease that causes changes in the individual’s cognitive functions.
In this context, Alzheimer’s disease is a problem that requires attention since the symptoms can be confused with other diseases. Therefore, continuous follow-up is essential for an early and reliable diagnosis.
Although it is a widespread disease, it is natural to have doubts about it, and clarifying them is essential to preserve health.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease as it is also known, is a chronic neurodegenerative condition caused by the death of brain cells. The disease is most common in people over 60 and is one of the leading causes of dementia.
The most striking feature of Alzheimer’s patients is the gradual loss of cognitive functions and changes in social relationships. Hence, the importance of early diagnosis of any disease; early diagnosis is decisive for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
The disease can be divided into three stages, mild, moderate, and severe, and identifying symptoms in the early stages is critical to preventing the progression of the condition.
Seven signs of Alzheimer’s to watch out for
Given the importance of early diagnosis to have more effective treatments, knowing what the first signs of Alzheimer’s are is fundamental. Thus, it is possible to monitor the person and act quickly to preserve their quality of life.
See the signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Memory loss
Difficulty remembering recent events, such as forgetting where objects have been stored and not remembering meals, is one of the main signs of the initial phase.
- Difficulty in performing everyday tasks.
Another sign that deserves attention is difficulty performing simple daily tasks, such as feeding oneself or maintaining personal hygiene habits. This sign usually appears in a mild form and becomes more intense over time.
- Disorientation
Not knowing what day or season it is, having difficulty remembering simple paths, and getting lost in timetables are vital signs of disorientation caused by Alzheimer’s disease. In the first manifestations, it may seem ordinary. However, it is necessary to watch closely if it becomes frequent.
- Judgment and language problems
Alzheimer’s disease directly affects cognition, so the individual has problems with language and judgment. Pronunciation of words becomes slow and slurred, as well as difficulty understanding and writing.
- Repetition of tasks or situations
The person who presents signs of Alzheimer’s constantly forgets situations; with this, they tend to become more repetitive in both dialogues and actions. It is a sign that occurs and persists progressively, easily noticeable in everyday life.
- Abrupt change of mood
Another relevant point is the manifestation of apathy and mood swings that do not correspond to the reality of the moment. Although it seems to be a common condition due to aging, it may characterize a more severe problem, so it is essential to follow up.
- Loss of initiative
Loss of interest in performing daily activities once a source of satisfaction is also a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Again, it is a symptom that can appear in isolation or together with others, making it easier to see that something is wrong.
Stages and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s is classified into three stages, and symptoms intensify in each step, leading to dementia and difficult clinical situations. In many cases, the signs appear together, and the progression can be rapid.
The stages of Alzheimer’s disease are
- Early stage: signs are milder and may be confused with everyday age-related situations or other diseases;
- Moderate stage: symptoms become more evident, and the individual can no longer perform daily tasks, becoming dependent;
- Advanced stage: the person shows intense signs and becomes more fragile and frail, depending on others for all personal care.
The diagnosis of this disease is complex and must be made by a specialist physician, who evaluates the patient’s history and symptoms. In addition, imaging tests, such as MRI and CT scans, are performed, quizzes and blood tests.
As you will have seen, becoming aware of the signs of Alzheimer’s in the early stages and seeking medical help is essential to alleviate symptoms and provide a better quality of life in old age.