Alzheimer's disease is a disease in which early diagnosis is critical to slow its progress, as it is usually worsened with the progress of dementia.
Although forgetfulness is the most recognized sign of this problem, Alzheimer's may begin to manifest itself with other symptoms such as mental confusion, apathy, mood swings, or loss of cognition to perform simple tasks such as math accounts. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of all the minor changes that may help in identifying the disease, know all the symptoms in How to Identify Early Alzheimer's. When it affects young people, these symptoms may begin to appear around the age of 30, but the most common is that they develop at age 70.
Signs that may help with the Diagnosis
Some important signs that may help in the early identification of the disease include:
- Loss of memory, especially of more recent events;
- Difficulty performing daily tasks, such as using the telephone or cooking;
- Disorientation, not identifying the date, the season of the year, the place where it is;
- Problems of discernment, such as difficulty in dressing according to the season, for example;
- Language problems, such as forgetfulness of simple words associated with difficulty in understanding speech and writing;
- Repeat conversations or tasks due to constant forgetfulness;
- Change the place of things, like putting the iron in the refrigerator, for example;
- Abrupt change of mood for no apparent reason;
- Change in personality in order to identify in the person apathy, confusion, aggression or distrust;
- Loss of initiative, with characteristics of disinterest for habitual activities, presented apathy.
Although forgetfulness is the most recognized sign of this problem, Alzheimer's may begin to manifest itself with the other symptoms, so keeping an eye on all minor changes can help identify the disease at a less advanced stage.
When it affects young people, these symptoms may begin to appear around the age of 30, but the most common is that they develop at age 70.
How To Diagnose Alzheimer's
In order to diagnose Alzheimer's disease, it is necessary to observe several signs and symptoms of dementia. In addition, to confirm which type of dementia you need to perform imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan.
At the doctor's office, the neurologist can perform a series of tests that may indicate memory impairment and orientation.
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- I have a good memory, although there are small forgetfulness that does not interfere with my daily life.
- Sometimes I forget some things like the question they asked me, I forget appointments and where I left the keys.
- I often forget what I did in the kitchen, the living room, or the bedroom, and what I was doing.
- I can not remember simple and recent information as the name of who I've just met, even if I try hard.
- It's impossible to remember where I am and who the people are around me.
- I am usually able to recognize people, places and know what day it is today.
- I do not remember very well what day it is today and I have a slight difficulty in keeping dates.
- I'm not sure what month we are, but I can recognize familiar places, but I get a bit confused in new places and I can get lost.
- I do not remember exactly who my family is, where I live and I do not remember anything about my past.
- All I know is my name, but sometimes I remember the names of my children, grandchildren or other relatives
- I am fully able to solve everyday problems and deal well with personal and financial issues.
- I have some difficulty understanding some abstract concepts such as why a person can become sad, for example.
- I'm feeling a bit insecure and I'm afraid to make decisions and so I prefer that others decide for me.
- I do not feel able to solve any problem and the only decision I make is what I want to eat.
- I am not able to make any decisions and I am totally dependent on the help of other people.
- Yes, I work normally, I shop, I'm involved with the community, church, and other social groups.
- Yes, but I'm starting to have some difficulty driving but I still feel safe and I know how to handle emergency or unplanned situations.
- Yes, but I am unable to be alone in important situations and I need someone to accompany me in social engagements to be able to look like a "normal" person to others.
- No, I do not leave the house alone because I do not have the capacity and I always need help.
- No, I'm unable to leave the house alone and I'm too sick for that.
- Great. I still have chores in the house, I have hobbies and personal interests.
- I no longer feel like doing anything in the house, but if they insist, I can try to do something.
- I completely abandoned my activities, as well as more complex hobbies and interests.
- All I know is bathing alone, dressing and watching television, and I can not do any other task in the house.
- I can not do anything on my own and I need help with everything.
- I am fully capable of taking care of myself, dressing, washing, bathing and using the bathroom.
- I'm starting to have some difficulty taking care of my own personal hygiene.
- I need others to remind me that I have to go to the bathroom, but I can handle my needs on my own.
- I need help getting dressed and cleaned up, and sometimes I pee on clothes.
- I can not do anything by myself and I need someone else to take care of my personal hygiene.
- I have normal social behavior and there are no changes in my personality.
- I have minor changes in my behavior, personality and emotional control.
- My personality is changing little by little, before I was very nice and now I'm kind of grumpy.
- They say that I have changed a lot and am no longer the same person and I am already avoided by my old friends, neighbors and distant relatives.
- My behavior has changed a lot and I have become a difficult and unpleasant person.
- I have no difficulty in speaking or writing.
- I'm beginning to have some difficulty finding the right words and it takes longer to complete my reasoning.
- It's getting harder and harder to find the right words and I've had trouble naming objects, and I notice that I have less vocabulary.
- It is very difficult to communicate, I have difficulty with words, to understand what they say and I do not know how to read or write.
- I just can not communicate, I do not say much, I do not write and I do not understand what I'm told.
- Normal, I do not notice any change in my mood, interest, or motivation.
- Sometimes I become sad, nervous, anxious or depressed, but without major concerns in life.
- I get sad, nervous or anxious every day and this has become more and more frequent.
- Every day I feel sad, nervous, anxious or depressed and I have no interest or motivation to perform any task.
- Sadness, depression, anxiety and nervousness are my daily companions and I have totally lost my interest in things and I have no motivation at all.
- I have perfect attention, good concentration and great interaction with everything that is around me.
- I'm starting to have trouble paying attention to something and I'm drowsy during the day.
- I have some difficulty in attention and little concentration and so I can stare fixedly or closed eyes for a while, even without sleep.
- I spend a good part of the day sleeping, I do not pay attention to anything and when I say I say things without logic or that have no relation to the subject of the conversation.
- I can not pay attention to anything and I'm completely deconcentrated.
Alzheimer's symptoms may still be a sign of other degenerative diseases, such as dementia with Lewy bodies. See the main symptoms of this disease, which can be confused with Alzheimer's.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment of Alzheimer's is done by taking medications to reduce the symptoms of the disease, such as Memantina, in addition to the need to perform physiotherapy and cognitive stimulation.
Thus, as the disease has no cure, treatment must be instituted by life, and it is normal for the individual to become dependent on others to perform day-to-day tasks such as eating, brushing or bathing, it is important that there is a close caregiver to assist and prevent the patient from taking risks. For more details on how to treat read: Treatment for Alzheimer's.
Other natural treatments that help in the treatment of Alzheimer's can be:
- Cinnamon treats Alzheimer's
- Physiotherapy for Alzheimer
