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Thank you to Sally Zaifman-Kagan from the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association for an introductory overview of what is Alzheimer’s Disease and some of the symptoms that may indicate the development of the disease. Alzheimer’s is currently incurable, but identifying the disease early can help slow down its progression and put in place beneficial strategies for all of those affected. The information in the presentation and contained below is not medical advice and you should speak with your medical professional regarding any changes in your health. So let’s dive in and learn more about how we can help spot the warning signs of Alzheimer’s.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia and is a progressive brain disease. Alzheimer’s affects the brain by killing off neurons, nerve cells responsible for sending signals throughout the brain. In particular, a protein called beta-amyloid begins to build up and causes disruptions between neurons. This leads to brain shrinkage and loss of communication between the cells, resulting in changes in memory, thinking, and behavior. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease.
10 Warning Signs
Memory Loss that Disrupts Daily Life – While are all forget things from time to time, we can usually remember them at a later time, even as we age. However, someone suffering from Alzheimer’s may forget recently learned information, important dates or events. They may also ask the same questions over and over or increasingly rely on memory aid (notes, reminders) or family members for tasks they formerly managed with ease.
Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems – While we all need a minute to adjust to a new situation or are presented with a new problem, we are usually able to figure it out. Those suffering from Alzheimer’s may have difficulty developing or following plans, especially when they are presented with a new problem or situation. They may also have more difficulty when dealing with numbers, such as following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. This may also manifest in difficulty concentration or taking much longer to complete tasks.
Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks – We all need occasional help completing a tasks, but those suffering from Alzheimer’s are continuously having problems completing familiar tasks such as driving to a familiar place, organizing a grocery list, balancing their finances, or remembering the rules to a favorite game.
Confusion with Time or Place – While we might forget what day of the week it is, we quickly realize it. Those suffering with Alzheimer’s may lose track of dates, seasons or even the passage of time. They may also have trouble understanding events or topics if they are not currently happening. Another sign may be forgetting where the are or how they go there.
Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships – Issues with vision are common as we age, specifically cataracts but someone suffering from Alzheimer’s may have vision issues that are not related to the eye, but rather how the brain processes what we see. For example, these issues may manifest with difficulty balancing, reading, judging distance or determine color contrast. This can be particularly detrimental when driving or operating devices such as power tools.
New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing – We have all experienced a moment where we could not find the right word, which is normal. However, struggling with vocabulary, trouble naming a familiar object, or using the wrong name can be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Issues with words can also manifest by people repeating themselves,such as asking the same question or telling the same story to the same people, assuming they never heard it before. Someone may also have difficulty participating in conversations, either following or joining a conversation, as well as stopping in the middle of thought and having no idea on how to continue.
Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps – It can be frustrating when we misplace things, but we can oftentimes retrace our steps to figure it out. Those suffering from Alzheimer’s may put things in unusual places or be unable to retrace their steps to find misplaced items. This can lead them to accuse others, including close family and friends, or stealing. This may worsen over time.
Decreased or Poor Judgement – We all forget an appointment or commitment once in a while or make take a minute to sniff out a scam, but those suffering from Alzheimer’s may show an increase in poor judgement, including when dealing with money. This can also manifest with hygiene, where someone may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities – Some of the other warning signs may compound on each other and make individuals uncomfortable in social situations, especially if they are unable to engage effectively in conversations or have trouble remembering familiar people or activities. This can cause someone to withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements, leading to feelings of isolation and resentment.
Changes in Mood and Personality – Someone living with Alzheimer’s may experience mood and personality changes including becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. This can lead to them getting easily upset at home, with friends or when they are out of their comfort zone.
Importance of Early Detection
As with many diseases and medical conditions, the early the diagnosis, the better the chance of curing or managing the condition or increasing the life expectancy through proper symptom management. Early diagnosis can help a person have a voice in what happens next and their plans for the future, such as medical care, financial plans, and estate planning. In addition, family is also able to make plans regarding care and schedules. Early diagnosis can also provide the individual with a chance to enter into clinical trials, which not only helps in future research, but can help improve their mental state.
When dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia, friends and family are usually the first to notice changes in behaviors. However, what to do when those changes occur can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. To help in the endeavor, the Alzheimer’s Association has developed a 10 step program to approach concerns you’ve seen in others, particularly with memory:
What are the changes in memory, thinking or behavior? It might be helpful to keep a log or journal to track these changes and provide context to medical professionals.
What else is going on? Are they suffering from other medical conditions or going through other live-altering events?
Learn about the signs and benefits of early diagnosis.
Has anyone else noticed the change(s)? Compare notes.
Who should have the conversation to discuss concerns? The more people involved in the conversation, the more confrontational it may appear so having one person involved in the initial conversation might be best.
What is the best time and place to have the conversation? People may be more attentive during certain times of the day or may have “better” days on certain days of the week or in response to the weather. Find what would work best for the person you are trying to address.
What will you or the person having the conversation say? Perhaps build a script with specific open-ended questions about the behaviors and changes that have been witnessed.
Offer to go to the doctor with them. Sometimes, a little support and encouragement can help those coming to grips with a new condition address it in a positive manner.
If needed, have multiple conversations. It may take time for someone to accept a life-altering realization and come to grips with a new reality.
Reach out for support. Organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association or through a local support group that might be available through a hospital or non-profit.
It is important to remember that each person experiences ALzheimer’s differently and progresses at different rates. The most important thing to look out for is changes in traditional behaviors are very obvious.
Seeking a Diagnosis
There are a number of assessments and tests that can be used to help diagnosis Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia with increasing degrees of confidence. Popular assessments include medical history, physical exams, screening for depression, and interviews with close companions. Tests may include lab tests, mental cognition tests, brain imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Stigma and misconceptions about the disease can prevent some people from seeking a diagnosis so it is important to develop strategies that are encouraging to help get that diagnosis.
More Information
If you have any questions about the content presented, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/contact-us or call their 24-hour Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. If you have any questions regarding your medical history, changes in your medical condition, or concerns related to a loved one, please contact a medical professional.
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