Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects 5.3 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer's Association. As the most common cause of dementia in people ages 65 and older, as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center, learning the cause of Alzheimer's is an important goal for doctors. In Alzheimer's disease the nerve cells in the brain die, which interrupts how the electrical impulses travel. This causes memory loss and affects thinking and behavior that negatively impact work, hobbies, and social and family life. Although many of the early signs and symptoms are often dismissed as natural signs of aging, it is important to be aware of them as early detection is important for treatment.
Memory Changes
Everyone believes that becoming forgetful is just part of aging. Although temporarily forgetting a name or appointment only to remember it later is normal, relying on memory aides or family members daily is not. Forgetting important events or dates, forgetting information recently learned or asking for the same information over and over again may be a sign of early Alzheimer's disease.
Problem Solving
Those in early stages of Alzheimer's often have difficulty concentrating on tasks. In addition, losing the ability to make a plan and follow it may be a sign. Although making an occasional error in tasks such as balancing a checkbook is normal, forgetting how to perform the arithmetic is not.
Difficulty with Tasks
Everyone needs help at some point, but needing help to record a television show is not a sign of Alzheimer's. However, needing help to play a familiar game that used to be played often is a sign. When a loved one has difficulty with daily tasks, such as driving to a well-known destination, it may signal early Alzheimer's disease.
Confusion
Alzheimer's patients, even in the early stages, exhibit signs of confusion with time and place. They may become lost in a familiar store, or forget where they are or how they got there.
Language Problems
Losing the ability to join in conversation with others or stopping while talking because they don't remember what they were saying is common in early Alzheimer's. Patients will often repeat themselves and not remember that they already told that story. Although not being able to find just the right word to say is a normal sign of aging, calling objects by the wrong name is not.
Misplacing Items
It is normal to misplace items occasionally. Usually they are found again by retracing the steps. Those with Alzheimer's disease, however, often put items in unusual places and cannot retrace their steps to find it again.
Poor Judgment
Everyone occasionally makes bad decisions, but those with early Alzheimer's disease will often make inappropriate decisions especially about money and finances. Another sign is not taking care of basic personal hygiene. For example, a person may not bathe or change clothes often enough yet insist he did.
Withdrawal
Anybody can feel overwhelmed by work or social activities from time to time, but avoiding social activities may be a sign of early Alzheimer's. Patients will often withdraw from their social groups and family because of the changes they have been feeling.
