As people age, they are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. While there is no definitive sign or symptom of Alzheimer’s, some common early warning signs can indicate the onset of the disease. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or an elderly loved one, it is essential to seek medical help as soon as possible. This article will discuss some of the warning signs you should be aware of.
Constant Memory Loss
As we age, most of us will experience some memory loss. This may be normal and is usually nothing to worry about. However, memory loss is prevalent with aging. In many cases, as people grow older, they may gradually forget certain pieces of information. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss comes in a more drastic form and can occur suddenly without any other symptoms. A good way to tell if memory loss is due to normal aging versus Alzheimer’s is to compare the memory loss with other family members around the same age.
Changes In Mood And Personality
Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can cause people to become depressed and irritable. These changes may go unnoticed initially due to forgetfulness affecting their ability to express these feelings. However, as Alzheimer’s progresses, it is challenging for someone suffering from the disease to be aware of how they are feeling or why they are acting differently than usual. This can also cause them to experience anxiety, paranoia, and delusions. For example, some may think they are being watched or accused unfairly. Others might start breaking into destructive behaviors without knowing why.
Asking Repetitive Questions
When a person with Alzheimer’s becomes more advanced in age, they will sometimes ask repetitive questions about things that occurred earlier that day or even earlier that week. If you find yourself answering the same questions over and over again, this may be a sign that your loved one has Alzheimer’s dementia. It can be a draining experience to answer the same questions repeatedly because it makes you feel like you are constantly being pestered, but try to stay patient with your loved one.
