Alzheimer's disease is defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a degenerative neurological condition, where patients lose brain cells at a faster rate compared to the general population. The increased loss of brain cells result in severe deficits in language, memory and decision-making. The majority of Alzheimer's disease cases begin after the age 60; early symptoms are often mistaken as part of the aging process. The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease grow progressively worse over time, and cannot be reversed.
Mild Symptoms
The NIH states that the mild symptoms of Alzheimer's disease may be overlooked, since they are similar to symptoms of older age. Language problems, such as difficulty finding the right word, are common mild symptoms of Alzheimer's. The patient may also misplace items in strange places, such as placing car keys in the refrigerator. Another mild symptom is becoming lost in familiar areas or on daily routes. This can become a serious problem if the patient drives herself, or takes walks alone. Normal activities may be harder to perform; the NIH gives the example of the patient being unable to balance her checkbook after the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The patient may have a loss of interest in pastimes and can appear to have a flat mood.
Personality Changes
The Mayo Clinic notes that one of the main moderate Alzheimer's disease symptoms is a change in personality. The patient can experience mood swings, or develop mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Negative behaviors, like aggressiveness, distrusting others and increased stubbornness can also appear. Along with the loss of interest in activities, the patient may also withdraw from the people around him.
Moderate Symptoms
As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the symptoms become worse. The NIH notes that the acute memory loss becomes more noticeable when the patient reaches moderate Alzheimer's disease: the patient can forget obligations or events that happened earlier in the day. The patient may also repeat things, like conversations or questions; because of the memory loss, the Alzheimer's disease patient will be unaware that she is repeating herself. Another moderate symptom of Alzheimer's disease is affected judgment: as a result, the patient will have difficulties making decisions.
