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Alzheimer’s disease affects thinking, behavior and memory. Not only that, there are many symptoms of this condition that are either ignored or misinterpreted by potential sufferers. American experts indicate what is worth paying attention to in the first place.
- Alzheimer’s disease has a wide variety of symptoms, the most important of which is memory loss
- They may be disturbing, among others loss of taste and smell, sleeping too long or interrupted, avoiding people and activities you used to like
- One way to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is to change your lifestyle to be more active, outgoing and socially engaged
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
The sooner we notice suspicious symptoms in ourselves or our loved ones and consult them with a specialist, the greater the likelihood of stopping or at least slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Americans have a lot of experience in this – over 6 million US residents live with this disease, and about 3,8 million of them are women. It is mainly they who are reluctant to admit symptoms of Alzheimer’s, seeing completely different causes in them.
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Alzheimer’s disease is not only about memory loss
Memory loss is an obvious symptom with which we associate Alzheimer’s in the first place. However, there are other key signs that we may be at risk of this disease. Be careful with them.
People know that one of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss, but there are other red flags to watch out for, including, but not limited to, mood and executive functions Says Margaret Barron, director of the Southern California Alzheimer’s Association. – For example, one if you see a family member struggling with daily tasks that he used to do with ease, such as cooking according to well-known recipes. They are also an unusual symptom difficulty finding the right words, getting lost in a conversation, and difficulty getting back on track.
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Cognitive deficits, sleep disorders
The expert also mentions: incorrect placement of items in different places, difficulties in finding them, and finally – withdrawing from social life, avoiding meetings with friends and activities that someone used to enjoy. This is the moment when the red light should turn on, that something is wrong.
Some changes in memory may be a normal part of the aging process, but when these changes begin to interfere with everyday life or drastically deviate from a person’s normal behavior, it is best to check them out, emphasizes Margaret Barron. She adds that some forms of cognitive decline can be treated. If it is something more serious, proper diagnosis will allow you to optimally manage the patient’s condition.
Some cognitive deficits, such as loss of smell and taste. Sleep disturbances may occur – e.g. too long or fragmented sleep, with frequent waking moments.
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Why do women get sick most often?
There are many potential biological and social reasons why more women than men have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. The dominant view among American experts is that the discrepancy stems from the fact that women live longer than men on average, with older age being the biggest risk factor. However, some studies suggest that women may be at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s, including because of genetic differences, but also different life experiences, such as the type and level of education, professional achievements or lifestyle.
Not only more women live with Alzheimer’s disease than men, but they also most often take over the role of caregivers of the sick person. More than three in five unpaid caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s disease are women. “This applies to many generations, because not only wives look after their husbands, but many carers of people with dementia are their daughters,” said Margaret Barron.
“While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are things we can do to help prevent the disease,” says Margaret Barron. – Research in this area is still ongoing, but There is strong evidence that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes. It is important to practice regular physical activity, maintain social involvement and maintain good heart health – adds the expert.
Also read:
- Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. They can appear as early as forty [INFOGRAPHICS]
- A way to detect Alzheimer’s early. The key is the way we speak
- Two personality traits favor the development of Alzheimer’s. What’s your risk?