As people age, they may notice normal changes in memory, judgment and speech. But if these changes start intruding on daily life, they may be warning signs of the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Cognitive Function
Problems with cognitive functions include short-term memory loss, difficulties in completing seemingly simple tasks, inability to find the right words and disorientation to space and time.
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral problems that may point to a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease include becoming less inhibited, depression, loss of initiative and anger.
Frequency
Almost everyone misplaces keys or forgets a name. It is when things like this happen increasingly, and when a person has difficulty in more than one area that the warning signs cover, that a diagnosis of Alzheimer's may be suspected.
Considerations
There can be many reasons for a person experiencing warning signs that are not because of Alzheimer's, including certain medications, metabolic medical problems or a different type of dementia, such as mild cognitive impairment or frontotemporal dementia.
What to Do
It is important that a person and those close to her take note of any warning signs and do not dismiss them as normal aging. A primary physical can perform physical and mental tests to assess the symptoms a person is experiencing.
References
- Alzheimer's Association: 10 Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
- "American Family Physician;" Early Diagnosis of Dementia; Karen Santacruz and Daniel Swagerty; February 2001
