10 Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. Difficulty Solving Problems

Problem solving skills become another point of frustration and anxiety for you as Alzheimer’s disease sets in. This can be a constant issue, or it may be one which comes and goes. Things which require basic problem solving skills like stacking dishes adding simple equations, difficulty using things that you’re otherwise used to, like your tv remote are early important indicators of Alzheimer’s disease and you will need your doctor’s advice.

2. Hygiene Issues

This symptom is often noticed by those around you before you pick up on it. It includes no memory of cleaning oneself, improper cleaning up after such everyday hygienic activities like using the toilet, being dishevelled and unkempt and unconcern for regular hygiene patterns unless verbally prompted by those around you. Listen to those around you, and also call your doctor for more advice and treatment.

3. Withdrawal from Friends

The lack of concern for others can spill over into not being inclined to see your friends or being interested in those near to you. This sometimes comes as a result of the frustration of memory loss and the other confusing symptoms which you experience and aren’t willing to constantly be embarrassed by feeling or having to explain away when in the company of others. Do not hesitate to call your practitioner for advice.

4. Change In Personality

People around you may sense this change before you do. Alzheimer’s sufferers tend to switch on key personality traits. Decreased extraversion or openness to others, they become self centred and coarse in showing affection and things which used to bring them joy, now seem extremely disliked. Be aware of changes in your personality and take the observations of those around you seriously if they notice anything key which has changed.

5. Vision Issues

This is not simply a need to increase a glasses/contact lens prescription. The visual changes that accompany Alzheimer’s are pretty clear cut. Things like depth perception, identifying an object among others of the same colour, a significant almost sudden reduction in your field of vision and not being able to keep your eye on a moving object are signs that you should call your doctor immediately.

6. Problems With Speech

Worsening speech impairment is almost always a sure sign of this disease. Slurring of your speech might start off as something you take for granted, but often time this is not a random occurrence. Getting lost mid-sentence is a common sign of this disease.

7. Confusion

Uncertainty about things such as the year, your location, what activity you were engaged in are early warnings of Alzheimer’s. Some people mistake it for general memory loss, but your doctor will be able to advise you as to the nature of your symptoms as confusion can sometimes be masked as general memory loss.

8. Memory Loss

But if you experience the total loss of significant memories such as identifying family members, dates of people and things you hold dear, such as children’s birthdates, who a family member is, then you should be concerned.

9. Mood Swings

Quickness to anger, sadness and the unfortunate sense of feeling out of place or lost often coupled with abrupt changes in mood are telltale signs of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

10. Difficulty Writing

This is one of the symptoms which is frequently overlooked but is one of the biggest signs of Alzheimer’s. One of our earliest lessons in life involves the tuning of these fine motor skills, therefore it is important to be aware of any loss of such muscle memory.

From AnswerMind.org