Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that was first described in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer, a German physician. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are approximately 5.3 million people living with the disease in America, someone develops the condition every 70 seconds and Alzheimer's is the seventh leading cause of death. The symptoms of Alzheimer's start out gradually and can become severe over time.
Memory
Memory problems are one of the first signs of Alzheimer's disease. Everyone experiences a slight loss of memory from time to time, but for Alzheimer's patients, the problem can worsen over time and become more extreme. Patients may experience repeated phrases and sentences, forget the names of familiar people and forget where they leave items they always use.
Judgment
The reaction to simple tasks might become more difficult for Alzheimer's patients. For example, jobs that take planning or decision-making, such as removing a frying pan that has burning food in it from the oven, will become difficult to do.
Thinking Patterns
Abstract thinking can become difficult for Alzheimer's patients. Numbers in checkbooks can be hard to understand and read. Because of that, you can have a problem keeping it in balance.
Disoriented
Times and dates can become difficult to understand for Alzheimer's patients. Those with Alzheimer's might find themselves getting lost in surroundings that used to be completely familiar.
Tongue Tied
Alzheimer's patients struggle to find the right words to use in conversation or even when trying to express their thoughts. Reading and writing abilities can also become compromised.
Mood
Alzheimer's patients can experience several different emotional changes. They can have mood swings, experience feelings of depression and have elevated anxiety levels.
Changes in Personality
Personality changes can also be seen with Alzheimer's disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, some symptoms include social withdrawal, aggressiveness, increased stubbornness and loss of trust.
