Submitted by: Veronica Whitney
As we grow older, it is but normal to go through the different stages of aging: we forget things, we ask the same questions over and over, we have trouble remembering some people from our past, especially those we have met fleetingly, etc. It is easy to laugh about it, joke about it with friends and family – even earn a nickname (Forgetful Lucy!) because of it.
For others though, these are cause for paranoia and panic. They start asking questions about Alzheimer’s and dementia, interchanging the two like there’s no difference. But in fact, there is: dementia is when the person’s mind deteriorates and he/she loses the ability to control his/her body or his/her thinking. It is a symptom and not a disease. It targets the brain so the following functions may be affected: memory, attention, communication and probably even thinking/problem solving.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that commonly causes dementia. It is when the brain rapidly ages than the normal rate. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease. But how do you recognize the symptoms early on? How can you help a loved one, especially your mother or father, your grandmother or grandfather?
Here are some early Alzheimer’s symptoms juxtaposed with signs of normal aging:
1. Feeling sad occasionally. This is a normal occurrence and should not bother anyone. Feelings of melancholy and loneliness are common as people go through different experiences. However, rapid mood swings, like feeling really depressed one moment to being so mad and furious to the point of rage, without knowing why it is happening and why you are feeling this way can be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
2. Missing a turn while going somewhere, or making an error in direction. This is normal, as people tend to get distracted or miss simple details just because they’re not paying attention. However, it becomes more serious if the person continually gets lost in places familiar to him/her, like getting home or going to the mall. Another symptom is when they can’t remember how or when they got to a certain place, or why they are there.
3. Misplacing little things like your wallet or your keys is normal. But if you continually lose stuff, or put things where they don’t normally belong, then it’s something that should be taken seriously. An example would be placing your slipper in the fridge, or putting your coffee beans in your sewing cabinet. These are highly unusual and erratic.
4. Forgetting names of people. If you are not really good with names then that is a normal occurrence. There are people who are really this way. However, if you forget actual words, or forget names of everyday things, like a mirror or a pencil, then this is another early Alzheimer’s symptom.
5. Have problems talking with other people. If you are usually not a people person and if you forgot something someone said, then this is normal. However if you start forgetting entire conversations then it is a symptom.
6. If you are not good with math and sometimes can’t balance a checkbook, this is normal. But if you have problems doing simple addition or subtraction, have trouble with figures, thinking abstractly or solving problems, then this is another symptom.
There are many other symptoms that depict an early stage of Alzheimer’s. It is important that we keep vigilant and observe such behavior especially with our loved ones who are getting older. This is not to say that we should be paranoid, only aware and careful. It is important that you get them to a doctor right away, so you can begin the process of caring and loving for your relative. If you can spot these symptoms early on, then this can pave the way towards early treatment and may increase the chances of a better life for your loved one and you.
About the Author: Veronica is a community member of HealthTree Answers. HealthTree Answers encourages visitors to ask questions on key health topics such as men’s health, women’s health, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, obesity and depression. Ask your questions today:
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