Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
is an important component of treatment and support for patients. If there are people around you who have one or more signs of the disease from the list below, you should consult a neurologist, since the disease begins with small changes and often goes unrecognized for a long time.
The first signs of the disease may appear after fifty years, which is of course a surprise.
Early diagnosis allows for a wider range of preventive and treatment measures, and can also prolong the life of a person suffering from Alzheimer’s disease:
- Memory loss. The main symptom of the disease. Gradual memory loss may not be noticeable at all. Look for memory loss that interferes with daily routine activities or requires constant reminders.
- Trouble performing normal daily tasks. Any of us may experience certain difficulties in performing a particular activity, but repeated difficulties in performing normal routine activities may be a symptom of a disease. Pay attention, for example, to such difficulties that suddenly arise as tying your loved ones’ shoelaces.
- Disorientation in time and place. Alzheimer’s patients not only experience difficulties with orientation in events, but also do not know what date it is and sometimes do not understand where they are.
- Personal changes. Patients may suffer from depression, confusion, fear and anxiety. Watch for these symptoms, they may also be a sign of illness.
- Difficulties in solving problems. Please note if your relatives find it difficult to solve a particular problem.
- Difficulty understanding images and space. An older person who has lost the ability to understand 3D space may have a medical condition. Pay attention to the older person’s reaction to mirrors, pictures and rooms.
- Problems with vocabulary. Many people may forget certain words or what they just said. Check if the elderly person’s vocabulary has worsened and they have difficulty finding suitable words to express thoughts.
- Inability to reason rationally. Patients may spend large amounts of money or make rash and illogical decisions.
- Decreased social activity. Gradual withdrawal from the social environment occurs due to forgetfulness or the impossibility of joint planning.
- Items are out of place. Alzheimer’s patients constantly confuse the placement of clothing and household items.
If you notice the appearance of one or more of the above signs in yourself or your relatives, do not delay a visit to a neurologist.
Timely diagnosis and early start of treatment makes it possible to postpone the unfavorable outcome of Alzheimer’s disease for many years.