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Early Signs Of Alzheimer’s Or Dementia

Whats The Difference Between Alzheimers And Dementia

early dementia warning signs

Although you might hear people use Alzheimers and dementia to describe the same thing, theyre different.

Dementia describes symptoms that affect memory, communication and daily activities. Alzheimers disease is a type of dementia. Alzheimers gets worse over time, and the disease affects the parts of the brain that control thought processes, language and memory.

The risk of developing Alzheimers or dementia is higher for people older than 65, but people of all ages can develop either issue.

Not Understanding What Objects Are Used For

Now and again, most people find themselves desperately searching for the right word. In fact, failing to find the word youre thinking of is surprisingly common and not necessarily a sign of dementia, says Rankin. But losing knowledge of objects not just what they are called but also what theyre used for is an early dementia symptom. Oddly enough, people who are losing this knowledge can be very competent in other areas of their lives.

How Long Do People With Alzheimers Live

The prognosis for Alzheimers disease is generally poor. The course of the disease varies from person to person. But on average, people with AD over 65 die within four to eight years of the diagnosis. However, some people may live up to 20 years after the first symptoms appear.

Common causes of death include:

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Having A Hard Time Managing Money

One of the classic early signs of Alzheimers disease is an increasing difficulty with money management. This might start off as having trouble balancing a checkbook or keeping up with expenses or bills, but as the disease progresses, poor financial decisions are often made across the board.

Though many people brush off this symptom as a normal part of aging, they shouldnt. We tend to associate aging with losing your mind. Thats not healthy aging its a disease, emphasizes Rankin.

What Is Alzheimers Signs Stages Types And Treatment

Signs Of Dementia Vs Alzheimer
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Alzheimers is a type of dementia, which is the name for a range of symptoms that involve the loss of cognitive functioning. These can lead to difficulties with thinking, remembering, problem-solving, reasoning, and other abilities that are serious enough to have an impact on daily life. Alzheimers affects nerve cells and causes them to eventually die, which brings about irreversible changes in the brain.

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Putting Things In Strange Places

Everyone forgets where they put their keys every once in a while, and sometimes you’re so tired that you might accidentally put the milk in the cupboard. That’s totally normal! For those with Alzheimer’s, though, misplacing possessions and putting them in places that don’t make sense happens with startling frequency, according to the Mayo Clinic. And for more age-related health issues to be aware of, check out these 40 Things Doctors Say Affect Your Health After 40.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Alzheimers Disease

The signs and symptoms of Alzheimers disease vary based on the stage of the condition. In general, the symptoms of AD involve a gradual decline in some, most or all of the following:

  • Understanding visual form and space relationship.
  • Behavior and personality.

People with memory loss or other signs of Alzheimers may have difficulty recognizing their mental decline. These signs may be more obvious to loved ones. Anyone experiencing dementia-like symptoms should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Symptoms of the mild stage of Alzheimers dementia

Symptoms of AD become noticeable in the mild stage. The most common early symptom is forgetting newly learned information, especially recent events, places and names.

Other signs and symptoms of mild Alzheimers include:

  • Having difficulty finding the right words to express thoughts.
  • Losing or misplacing objects more than usual.
  • Having difficulty making plans or organizing.
  • Having difficulty problem-solving.
  • Taking longer to complete routine daily tasks.

Most people in the mild stage of AD have no problem recognizing familiar faces and can usually travel to familiar places.

Symptoms of the moderate stage of Alzheimers

Moderate Alzheimers is typically the longest stage and can last many years. People in the moderate stage of Alzheimers often require care and assistance.

People in this stage may:

Symptoms of the severe stage of Alzheimers

In the severe stage of Alzheimers disease, the person often:

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An Increase In Compulsive Ritualistic Behaviors

One sign of dementia that most people dont expect is the need to complete extreme rituals or compulsive behaviors. Plenty of people have odd habits and like things done a certain way, says Rankin. But while these habits are within the normal realm, extreme hoarding or detailed rituals or compulsions, such as buying a crossword puzzle book every time they go to the store even if they have hundreds of them, can be dementia symptoms.

Changes In Mood And Personality

1 Early signs of dementia

Watch for behaviors that are out of character. Is the person acting confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious more than usual? Are they getting easily upset in situations that didn’t used to cause agitation, or at times when they’re out of their comfort zone?

These signs may indicate Alzheimer’s, or they may signal that something else is wrong, like depression or a bad reaction to medication. “That’s why it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible,” Bednarczyk says. “The doctor can help figure out exactly what’s going on and how to help.”

It may, however, be difficult to talk to your loved one about these changes and convince them to see a doctor. If you need suggestions on how to approach your loved one or what to say, Bednarczyk offers expert advice in 6 Tips for Talking About Memory Loss.

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Confusion With Time Or Place

If your loved one has trouble with the time or place of events, it could be an early symptom of dementia. Forgetting the date, month, time of year, or important events may be a red flag.

Take note of when you notice a family member is unable to keep track of time. If dad briefly forgets the day of the week, its probably nothing to worry about. But if he doesnt know the month or forgets family is coming over for dinner, it may be a cause for concern.

Can I Reduce My Risk Of Developing Alzheimers Disease

While there are some risk factors for Alzheimers you cant change, like age and genetics, you may be able to manage other factors to help reduce your risk.

Risk factors for Alzheimers disease include:

Research shows that having a healthy lifestyle helps protect your brain from cognitive decline. The following strategies may help decrease your risk of developing Alzheimers disease:

  • Stay mentally active: Play board games, read, do crossword puzzles, play a musical instrument or do other hobbies that require brain power.
  • Get physically active: Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to your brain, which may affect brain cell health. Wear protective headgear if youre participating in activities that increase your risk of a head injury.
  • Stay socially active: Regularly talk with friends and family and join in on group activities, such as religious services, exercise classes, book clubs or community volunteer work.
  • Eat healthily: Follow the Mediterranean or DASH diet or another healthy diet that includes antioxidants. Consume alcoholic beverages in moderation.

Talk to your healthcare provider if youre concerned about your risk of developing Alzheimers disease.

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What Causes Early

Experts don’t know what triggers the start of Alzheimer disease. They suspect that 2 proteins damage and kill nerve cells. Fragments of one protein, beta-amyloid, build up and are called plaques. Twisted fibers of another protein, tau, are called tangles. Almost everyone develops plaques and tangles as they age. But those with Alzheimer disease develop many, many more. At first, these plaques and tangles damage the memory areas of the brain. Over time, they affect more areas of the brain. Experts don’t know why some people develop so many plaques and tangles, or how they spread and damage the brain.

When To See A Gp

8 Early Signs of Alzheimers Disease in Young Adults

If you’re worried about your memory or think you may have dementia, it’s a good idea to see a GP.

If you’re worried about someone else’s memory problems, encourage them to make an appointment and perhaps suggest that you go along with them.

Memory problems are not just caused by dementia they can also be caused by depression, stress, medicines or other health problems.

A GP can carry out some simple checks to try to find out what the cause may be, and they can refer you to a specialist for more tests if necessary.

Read more about diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.

Page last reviewed: 05 July 2021 Next review due: 05 July 2024

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Key Points About Early

  • Alzheimer disease commonly affects older people, but early-onset Alzheimer disease can affect people in their 30s or 40s.

  • It affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

  • Although there is no known cure, early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better quality of life.

  • Stay healthy with a good diet and regular exercise.

  • Avoid alcohol and other substances that may affect memory, thinking, and behavior.

Challenges With Visual Images And Balance

Dementia not only affects cognitive abilities it affects people physically, too. Early physical signs of dementia include difficulty with balance or judging distances, sleeping issues, forgetting to eat, and wandering. Spilling or dropping items often may be another sign theyre experiencing the physical effects of dementia.

Remember that your loved one might be covering up symptoms of dementia because theyre embarrassed or worried about the changes. So look for signs such as bruising from a fall or a broken drinking glass from the day before.

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When To Contact A Doctor

A person who experiences any of these symptoms or notices them in a loved one should speak with a medical professional.

According to the Alzheimers Association, it is a myth that cognitive functioning always worsens as a person gets older. While minor forgetfulness can be a normal part of the aging process, if symptoms start to affect a persons everyday life, they may be serious. Signs of cognitive decline may signal dementia or another illness for which doctors can provide support.

Although there is no cure for dementia yet, a doctor can help slow the progression of the disease and ease the symptoms. This can improve a persons quality of life.

Stage : Subjective Memory Lossage Related Forgetfulness

Teepa Snow Discusses the Ten Early Signs of Dementia

Many people over the age of 65 complain of cognitive and/or functional difficulties. Elderly persons with these symptoms report that they can no longer remember names as easily as they could 5 or 10 years previously they can also have trouble recalling where they have recently placed things.

Various terms have been suggested for this condition, but subjective cognitive decline is presently the widely accepted terminology. These symptoms by definition, are not notable to intimates or other external observers of the person with subjective cognitive decline. Persons with these symptoms decline at higher rates than similarly aged persons and similarly healthy persons who are free of subjective complaints. Research has shown that this stage of subjective cognitive decline lasts 15 years in otherwise healthy persons.

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A Shortened Attention Span

As Alzheimer’s spreads in the brain, one issue that might pop up is a shortened attention span. Someone who used to be able to sit and have a full conversation might no longer be able to focus on just one thing for more than a few minutes or even a few seconds, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Decline In Physical Hygiene

Even if someone was strict about keeping up with good hygiene before, that may change once they begin to showcase signs of Alzheimer’s. Due to the changes in cognitive function that occur with this disease, things like taking baths or showers, changing clothes, and flossing become more difficult, says the Alzheimer’s Association. And for more ways to improve your personal well-being, check out the 100 Easy Ways to Be a Much Healthier Person, According to Science.

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Disregarding The Law And Other Social Norms

Some people with dementia lose their sense of social norms. Shoplifting, breaking into someones house, inappropriate interpersonal behaviors such as sexual comments or actions, and even criminal behavior, according to a review published in October 2020 in the journal Cortex, all make the list of surprising dementia symptoms.

This could lead to trouble with the law, too: Early-onset dementia can hit people as early as their thirties and forties, well before anyone around them would consider their out-of-character behavior a sign of dementia.

But, says Rankin, Obviously, the majority of people engaging in those behaviors dont have dementia. Its only when a previously law-abiding citizen starts to steal or do other things that are out of character that it becomes a concern for dementia.

Talking With A Doctor

What Are Some Of The Early Signs Of Alzheimers

After considering the persons symptoms and ordering screening tests, the doctor may offer a preliminary diagnosis or refer the person to a Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service clinic, neurologist, geriatrician or psychiatrist.Some people may be resistant to the idea of visiting a doctor. In some cases, people do not realise, or else they deny, that there is anything wrong with them. This can be due to the brain changes of dementia that interfere with the ability to recognise or appreciate the changes occurring. Others have an insight of the changes, but may be afraid of having their fears confirmed.One of the most effective ways to overcome this problem is to find another reason for a visit to the doctor. Perhaps suggest a check-up for a symptom that the person is willing to acknowledge, such as blood pressure, or suggest a review of a long-term condition or medication.Another way is to suggest that it is time for both of you to have a physical check-up. Any expressed anxiety by the person is an excellent opportunity to suggest a visit to the doctor. Be sure to provide a lot of reassurance. A calm, caring attitude at this time can help overcome the person’s very real worries and fears.Sometimes, your friend or family member may refuse to visit the doctor to ask about their symptoms. You can take a number of actions to get support including:

  • talking with other carers who may have had to deal with similar situations

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Withdrawal From Social Activities

A person with dementia may become disinterested in socializing with other people in home life and at work.

They may become withdrawn and not talk with others or pay attention when others are speaking to them. Additionally, they might stop participating in hobbies, sports, or activities with other people.

Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild Cognitive Impairment is a health problem that changes how the brain works. MCI makes it harder to think and remember things. There are a few different types of MCI, but it is most often thought to be the earliest clinical stage of Alzheimerâs. Checking out early signs and symptoms of MCI can help you find more choices for treatment and support.

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Trouble Keeping Track Of And Paying Bills

Every month, you know exactly which bills are due and whenor at least, you used to know. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, working with numbers becomes difficult, making it hard to ensure payments are going out on time. If you suddenly struggle to remember to pay the same bills you’ve been paying for years, talk to your doctor about the possibility of early onset dementia.

Signs Of Mild Alzheimers Disease

Easy Test to Find Out if You May Have Early Signs of Dementia or Alzheimer’s

In mild Alzheimers, a person may seem healthy but has more and more trouble making sense of the world around them. The realization that something is wrong often comes gradually to the person and their family. Problems can include:

  • Memory loss that disrupts daily life
  • Poor judgment, leading to bad decisions
  • Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
  • Losing track of dates or knowing current location
  • Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks
  • Repeating questions or forgetting recently learned information
  • Increased sleeping
  • Loss of bowel and bladder control

A common cause of death for people with Alzheimers is aspiration pneumonia. This type of pneumonia develops when a person cannot swallow properly and takes food or liquids into the lungs instead of air.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimers, there are medicines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that may help treat the disease. There are also changes that can be made to the home environment and daily activities to help a person manage their changes in thinking.

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Visual And Spatial Challenges

Another early sign of dementia is difficulty with certain visual and spatial relationships. For example, this can include difficulty:

  • judging distance or size

Signs of difficulty with visual and spatial relationships can also include tripping more often and dropping or spilling things.

Read more about fall prevention.

Warning Signs Of Alzheimer’s

Memory often changes as people grow older. Some people notice changes in themselves before anyone else does. For other people, friends and family are the first to see changes in memory, behavior, or abilities. Memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging. People with one or more of these 10 warning signs should see a doctor to find the cause. Early diagnosis gives them a chance to seek treatment and plan for the future.

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life: forgetting events, repeating yourself or relying on more aids to help you remember .

2.Challenges in planning or solving problems: having trouble paying bills or cooking recipes you have used for years.

3.Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure: having problems with cooking, driving places, using a cell phone, or shopping.

4.Confusion with time or place: having trouble understanding an event that is happening later, or losing track of dates.

5.Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations: having more difficulty with balance or judging distance, tripping over things at home, or spilling or dropping things more often.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alzheimers Association have created the Healthy Brain Initiatives State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map.

8. being a victim of a scam, not managing money well, paying less attention to hygiene, or having trouble taking care of a pet.

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