Alzheimer’s usually begins with a slight memory loss and confusion. It eventually leads to irreversible mental impairment in which a person’s ability to reason, remember, learn or even imagine is destroyed.
Memory Loss is Usually the First of Alzheimer’s Warning Signs
We all forget things. When we misplace things or can’t recall the names of people we went to grade school with when we run into them. This is normal. With Alzheimer’s the loss of memory is much worse and persistent. It is common for those with AD to forget the names of family members they see every day. They often ‘misplace’ things in peculiar locations, such as placing the remote control in the refrigerator. Becoming suddenly lost on the way to familiar locations along routes traveled for years is not normal; it is among Alzheimer’s warning signs. If someone in your life is experiencing disorientation as to the date, time and surroundings – you should sit up and take notice.
Changes in Personality, Communication or Emotions
Personality is often affected by Alzheimer’s. Mood swings, depression, anxiety and aggressiveness are common. There is a distrust of people and social withdrawal. Irritability and stubbornness increase due to confusion.
Often a sign of Alzheimer’s can be that a usually articulate person begins to be at a loss when in search of a word or in the organization of a thought. Suddenly, the most astute individual is no longer able to follow the conversation or translate its meaning.
The ability to recall the name of a familiar object becomes an ordeal, they can be standing there holding a pen and not able to state that it is a pen. Often statements are repeated, because they have forgotten that they have already said it.
Loss of Judgment and Ability to Perform Routine Tasks
Tasks, which were once routine to perform, can become increasingly difficult to manage. Among these are those that require a person to process and follow steps to complete. Such as dressing or cooking a meal. They are no longer able to organize these steps in order to complete them.
The ability to solve every day problems deteriorates. For example, if when cooking we have a small fire on the stove, we know to extinguish the fire. Someone with Alzheimer’s would not know that this is the solution or recall the steps to put it out.
Eventually as Alzheimer’s progresses there is no ability to do things that require planning, judgment or decision making. Care should be taken to protect them from the dangers brought about by the deterioration of their cognitive abilities and to assist them in the areas needed to live their daily lives. If someone demonstrates the symptoms of Alzheimer’s they should be evaluated by the doctor to obtain a medical opinion and treatment.
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February 24th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Good articles. There is a new documentary on Alzheimer’s and art, which I found to be powerful & informative. Found the clip on youtube in case could be of interest for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54AtoQVGfwU