Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in the world. The term “dementia” refers to a collection of symptoms brought on by a persistent deterioration in brain function. It may impair one’s memory, ability to think clearly, and other mental faculties.
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is highest among those over 65. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are seen in 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 6 people over the age of 80. However, about one in twenty individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are younger than 65. People in this group suffer from early onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Although the precise causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not yet entirely understood, a few factors are thought to raise your risk of getting the illness. These include:
- advanced age
- social isolation in seniors
- history of Alzheimer’s in the family
- untreated depression
- lifestyle
- cardiovascular disease
Let’s learn more about Alzheimer’s and its symptoms.
The warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Signs of dementia in women and men should be taken seriously, and anyone with these signs should be seen by a doctor. In some cases, these symptoms are not caused by Alzheimer’s but other medical issues, such as infections or stroke. In addition to these conditions, other things, such as specific medications, can cause dementia symptoms. Some of these conditions can be treated.
Multiple brain functions are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Because it is a progressive illness, the signs and symptoms appear gradually over a long period of time and then worsen. These symptoms can occasionally be mistaken for those of other diseases or first attributed to getting older. Each person’s symptom progression progresses at a different rate.
In most cases, mild memory issues are the initial indication of Alzheimer’s disease. For instance, this can include forgetting places and things’ names and recent discussions or incidents.
Memory issues get more severe as the illness worsens, and additional symptoms appear, such as:
- disorientation and getting lost in familiar locations
- difficulties making decisions or planning
- problems with language and speech
- difficulty doing basic self-care tasks
- personality alterations, such as becoming more aggressive, demanding, and wary of people
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
- delusions (believing things that are untrue)
- low spirits or anxiety
Alzheimer’s stages
Alzheimer’s disease symptoms are typically broken down into three distinct stages:
1- early indications
Memory lapses are the primary sign of Alzheimer’s disease in its early stages. For instance, a person with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease might forget recent discussions or incidents, misplace things, and lose track of locations and things’ names. They might also have trouble coming up with the correct phrase, keep repeating questions, demonstrate faulty judgment or find it difficult to make decisions, or grow less adaptable and more resistant to change.
There are frequently indications of mood shifts, such as escalating agitation or worry or intervals of confusion.
2- symptoms of the middle-stage
Memory issues will get more severe as Alzheimer’s illness progresses. In addition to having trouble recognizing their family and friends, someone with the illness may find it more difficult to remember the names of people they know.
There may also be additional symptoms, such as:
- increasing confusion and disorientation, such as becoming lost or idly walking without being aware of the time of day
- impulsive, compulsive, or repetitive behavior
- delusions (believing falsehoods) or feeling distrustful of or paranoid about caregivers or family members
- issues with language or speech (aphasia)
- disrupted sleep
- mood swings, depression, and feelings of growing agitation, frustration, or anxiety
- trouble with spatial tasks such as estimating distances
- seeing and hearing things (hallucinations)
Someone with Alzheimer’s disease at this stage typically needs assistance with daily tasks. For instance, they could require help with eating, washing, dressing, and using the restroom.
3- Late-stage symptoms
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease worsen as it progresses and can be upsetting for both the affected person and their caregivers, friends, and family.
Over the course of the illness, hallucinations and delusions may come and go, but they could also develop worse. Alzheimer’s patients can occasionally become aggressive, demanding, and wary of those around them.
As Alzheimer’s disease worsens, other signs and symptoms could appear, including:
- eating and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
- difficulties moving or changing positions without help
- weight loss that might be extreme
- urinary incontinence, or the unintended passage of stool (bowel incontinence)
- gradual loss of speech
- severe issues with both short- and long-term memory
People with Alzheimer’s may require full-time care, assistance with eating and moving, and personal care during the most severe phases.
How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed?
A fast and precise diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can give you the best opportunity to make plans and preparations and obtain any necessary treatment or assistance.
Since Alzheimer’s disease symptoms develop gradually, it might be challenging to spot the problem early on. Many people believe that memory issues are just a natural part of aging. Furthermore, people may not always be able to recognize changes in their memory due to the disease process itself. However, Alzheimer’s disease is not a “natural” aspect of aging.
It’s a good idea to visit a doctor if you’re concerned about your memory or believe you could have dementia. Someone familiar with you well should go with you if possible so they can discuss any changes or issues they have seen with the doctor.
If you’re worried about one of your family members or friends and suspect Alzheimer’s, encourage the person to schedule an appointment and even offer to go along with them.
Your doctor will inquire about any issues you’re having and might order some tests to rule out other conditions. Alzheimer’s disease cannot be diagnosed with a single test. Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that memory issues do not always indicate Alzheimer’s disease. Memory issues can result from a variety of health issues, including depression, stress, medication side effects, and dementia, as well as other health issues.
If your doctor thinks you have Alzheimer’s, they might direct you to a specialized service to examine your symptoms more closely. There, doctors plan other examinations, such as brain scans, if necessary, and develop a treatment and care strategy.
How is Alzheimer’s diagnosed?
A fast and precise diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can give you the best opportunity to make plans and preparations and obtain any necessary treatment or assistance.
Since Alzheimer’s disease symptoms develop gradually, it might be challenging to spot the problem early on. Many people believe that memory issues are just a natural part of aging. Furthermore, people may not always be able to recognize changes in their memory due to the disease process itself. However, Alzheimer’s disease is not a “natural” aspect of aging.
It’s a good idea to visit a doctor if you’re concerned about your memory or believe you could have dementia. Someone familiar with you well should go with you if possible so they can discuss any changes or issues they have seen with the doctor.
If you’re worried about one of your family members or friends and suspect Alzheimer’s, encourage the person to schedule an appointment and even offer to go along with them.
Your doctor will inquire about any issues you’re having and might order some tests to rule out other conditions. Alzheimer’s disease cannot be diagnosed with a single test. Additionally, it’s crucial to remember that memory issues do not always indicate Alzheimer’s disease. Memory issues can result from a variety of health issues, including depression, stress, medication side effects, and dementia, as well as other health issues.
If your doctor thinks you have Alzheimer’s, they might direct you to a specialized service to examine your symptoms more closely. There, doctors plan other examinations, such as brain scans, if necessary, and develop a treatment and care strategy.
How is Alzheimer’s treated?
Currently, there is no known way for Alzheimer’s disease treatment. However, there are medications that can help with some of the symptoms.
To help persons with Alzheimer’s live as independently as possible, changes are made to their home environment to make it simpler to move around and remember everyday tasks.
Memory, problem-solving abilities, and language skills may also be supported by psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy.
What is the outlook if you have Alzheimer’s?
After the onset of symptoms, people with Alzheimer’s can survive for several years. However, this varies significantly from person to person. Overall, Alzheimer’s disease is a life-limiting illness, but many people with the disorder will pass away for another reason.
Because Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative neurological illness, it might cause swallowing issues. Aspiration (food inhaled into the lungs) may result from this, which increases the risk of chest infections.
People with Alzheimer’s disease frequently develop difficulties eating and lose their appetite over time.
The need for palliative care for those with Alzheimer’s disease is becoming more widely recognized. Support for both Alzheimer’s patients and their families is part of this care.
Can Alzheimer’s be prevented?
There is no known method for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease because its precise cause is unknown. However, there are certain things you may do to possibly lower your risk or postpone the start of dementia, such as:
- stopping smoking and drinking less alcohol
- keeping a healthy weight while eating a nutritious, balanced diet
- maintaining a fit body and an active mind
These actions have additional health benefits. They can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and enhance your general mental wellness.
The Takeaway
The progression of cognitive and functional deterioration during the course of Alzheimer’s often occurs in three stages: early or mild, middle or moderate, and late or severe. The severity of memory loss increases as the illness worsens.
The first signs of Alzheimer’s disease are typically moderate memory problems. For instance, this may involve forgetting previous conversations or events, as well as the names of objects and places.
Anyone exhibiting signs of dementia should visit a doctor. Sometimes, conditions other than Alzheimer’s, like infections or stroke, are to blame for these symptoms. Other factors, such as particular drugs, can also contribute to dementia symptoms. Some of these conditions are treatable.
Alzheimer’s disease affects a variety of mental processes. The course of symptoms varies from individual to person. Since the condition is progressive, the signs and symptoms develop gradually over time before worsening. Sometimes, these symptoms are confused for those of other conditions or are initially attributed to aging.
Early detection and intervention are essential to the well-being of people with Alzheimer’s. Visit our website to learn more about this disease and how to deal with it.
