According to the definition of Alzheimer’s given by the Alzheimer’s Association, it is “a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills.” Dementia is the most common symptom of Alzheimer’s and over time it can worsen.
Their current prediction is that by 2050, those over the age of 65 with Alzheimer’s dementia will have reached 12.7 million. Currently, there is no cure for the disease, but early detection can lead to many benefits. The most important part of detection is recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Katy Bray of Alzheimer’s Research UK has noted that the brain is not only responsible for our memory but also for how we feel and what we do. Alzheimer’s is a disease that will attack brain cells in a way destroying who we are.
The most common early symptoms do not just include memory problems, but also a drastic change in mood and behavior. There is also a chance of the person feeling confused or disoriented and being unable to communicate as effectively as they had previously been able to.
TikTok user Kayleigh Ogleby recently also drew attention to the importance of early detection, saying that she wished she had been able to recognize the early signs in her mother. These included forgetting the right words, a change in behavior as she got obsessive about her routines and misspelling some common words.
The most common early signs of Alzheimer’s are:
1. Memory Loss
2. Inability to problem solve effectively
3. Challenges with completing daily tasks one is extremely familiar with
4. Disorientation in regards to Time and Place
5. Inability to comprehend visual images
6. Problems with communication – both verbal and written
7. Misplacing items, or not being able to retrace their steps
8. Change in mood and behavior
Good afternoon – I am an 85-year-old male; college educated (3 master’s degrees). Retired Marine Corps Officer, a Vietnam Veteran (2 tours), married 50 years, father of 2 – male, an attorney; female, a high school teacher. I’ve published 3 books on Vietnam War history.
1. Memory Loss: I’ve never been very good at remembering names. However, a few years ago, I first noticed that thoughts would be “fleeting”. In a conversation, eg., a comment would come to my mind but if I didn’t make an effort to hold it until it was “my turn” to speak, I would have “lost” the thought.
2. Inability to problem solve effectively: I’m O/K here.
3. Challenges with completing daily tasks one is extremely familiar with: I’m O/K here
4. Disorientation in regards to Time and Place: This happens from time to time but is only short-lived. “Is today garbage day?” “Do I turn here? Or, is it the next street?’
5. Inability to comprehend visual images: Not certain what is meant here but I am quite “visual” and can visualize how something I’m working on – hobby, the garage, painting, writing, landscaping.
6. Problems with communication – both verbal and written: O/K here.
7. Misplacing items, or not being able to retrace their steps: Misplaced due to not being in the moment but can retrace my steps to find it fairly easily
8. Change in mood and behavior: O/K here.