The Mayo Clinic describes Alzheimer’s as a degenerative disease that destroys brain cells, called neurons. It was first described in 1906 by a German doctor named Alois Alzheimer.
It is important to note that a cure for this form of dementia has not yet been found, therefore being aware of certain early signs is necessary.
Several treatments, developed to mitigate these symptoms, are more likely to work if the disease is diagnosed early.
The Street Journal will be sharing 15 early signs of this disease that should never be ignored.
- Memory Loss
Consistently forgetting where items like keys are kept or forgetting important information could be one of the very first signs of Alzheimer’s to look out for.
2. Difficulty completing daily task
This may include forgetting how to brush your teeth, comb your hair. Yes, forgetting how to do stuff you usually did could be an early sign of this disease.
3. Difficulty in Expressing yourself
Having difficulty in finding the right word does not necessarily mean that you have the disease. However, if your problems with language (difficulty finishing sentences, forgetting simple words, calling things by the wrong name, etc.) make it difficult for your friends and family to understand you, you are at a higher risk of suffering from the disease.
This is a common sign of the disease. Disorientation could involve difficulty in knowing what day it is, time of the day or not even knowing where you are.
5. Forgetting how to count
Forget about being a Maths genius, but when you forget how to count or add simple sums, it could be Alzheimer’s.
6. Not being able to follow a routine plan
Having a hard time following a plan doesn’t mean that you are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, those likely to contract this neurodegenerative condition find it difficult to plan their daily activities. They may be unable to follow a recipe, for instance.
7. Putting things in the wrong place
People at risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s tend to store regularly used items incorrectly. For example, they may put dirty dishes in the washing machine or soiled clothing in the dishwasher.
8. Failing to recognize yourself in the mirror
A symptom of this disease is seeing your image in the mirror as that of a stranger.
9. Vision problems
While age-related vision loss and the need to wear glasses is absolutely normal, the Alzheimer’s Association warns that losing the ability to read, judge distances, and recognize colours is not normal.
10. Urge for isolation
The inexplainable desire to exclude yourself from activities could be a sign of the disease.
11. Mode swings
While mood changes can be triggered by some factors, others can be caused by a serious underlying condition like Alzheimer’s.
12. Personality changes
Do your friends no longer recognize you? Are your loved ones noticing a change in your personality? For instance, an introvert becomes an extreme extrovert. It is time to see a doctor.
13. Loss of motivation
While decreased motivation is not always a sign of Alzheimer’s disease (causes may include fatigue or depression), it should not be taken lightly. If your lack of enthusiasm persists and begins to have a negative effect on your quality of life, talk to a doctor about it.
14. Decreased spontaneity
If you’ve noticed that you have become less spontaneous or that you no longer show initiative in certain areas of your life, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
`15. Reduced energy
In the case of Alzheimer’s, feeling a lack of energy occurs in the first stages of the disease and lasts an average of 2-4 years. Visit the doctor if you experience unexplained fatigue.