November is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells. This results in the loss of memory, thinking, and language skills and leads to behavioral changes, generally among people aged 65 and older. Because Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, it’s important to know and look for signs that might indicate Alzheimer's disease versus basic forgetfulness.

The Alzheimer’s Association publishes 10 common warning signs. These symptoms gradually increase and become more persistent with Alzheimer's disease. Consult your physician if you experience any of these symptoms or have questions about the disease. Early diagnosis can provide the best opportunities for treatment, support, and future planning.

1. Memory changes that become disruptive to daily life, for example, forgetting new information, names, dates and events, or placement of objects; repeatedly asking for the same information; or relying heavily on memory aides like reminder notes or electronic devices.

2. Difficulty concentrating, completing complex assignments, solving problems, or working with numbers. This can include activities like following a recipe, balancing a checkbook, or keeping track of monthly bills. Certain activities may take much longer to complete than before.

3. Difficulty completing familiar daily tasks, such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, driving to a familiar location, or managing a budget.

4. Confusion with time or place, including losing track of dates, seasons, or passage of time or forgetting where you are or how you got there.

5. Difficulty in understanding visual images and spatial relationships. This can include difficulty reading, judging distance, or determining color or contrast. Some may not recognize their own reflection in a mirror.

6. Challenges in speaking or writing. This can include trouble finding the appropriate words, completing sentences, or following directions and conversations. Some may repeat themselves or call things by the wrong name.

7. Misplacing items or putting them in unusual places and losing the ability to retrace steps to find them again. This can lead to increased suspicion and accusing others of stealing.

8. Decreased or poor judgment and difficulty in decision-making, including using poor judgment when dealing with money or paying less attention to grooming and cleanliness tasks.

9. Withdrawal from work and social activities. Changes in the ability to follow directions or rules or keep track of information can lead to disinterest in hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports.

10. Changes in mood and personality, including increased confusion,
suspicion, depression, fearfulness, or anxiety. This can include rapid and persistent mood swings.

 

For additional information, call 877-IS IT ALZ (877.474.8259) or visit www.alz.org.