Lesser known early signs of Alzheimer’s you must know
One of the greatest impairments of the human faculties is the loss of cognitive function. Difficulty or inability to recall information, performing regular tasks such as walking, tying shoelaces
Alzheimer’s disease progressively limits and incapacitates the brain to remember and retain information, and perform functions that are otherwise simple and ordinary or second to human nature. This could be very frustrating for the one affected by this disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common of all cases reported of dementia, a wider term used for degenerative functions
Despite advancements in medical science, prevention and cure, there is still no conclusive study or research on what causes Alzheimer’s and how to cure it. It becomes highly important to be aware of the subtle signs that could be indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. Seek the doctor’s advice if you notice any of the symptoms below in yourself or your loved ones.
Mood swings and behavioral issues
One of the lesser known symptoms or signs of Alzheimer’s are mood swings – or sudden changes in behavior. Signs could include feeling depressed, irritability, overreacting to minor issues, or showing an unusual lack of interest in activities that were otherwise enjoyable. Occasionally, individuals may seem withdrawn from life activities and may remain silent or unresponsive. Patients have been reported to undergo a phenomenal change in personality and behavioral responses especially once they are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. Such signs should not be dismissed as normal or part of the aging process, it is important to consult with a physician to identify conditions.
The failing sense of smell
Perhaps the most suitable of all indicators and commonly unnoticeable, is the failing olfactory function, or sense of smell. Research is suggesting that patients could show a distinct inability to identify scent, recall the experience, and associate or distinguish between various smells, as an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. Since the disease is degenerative in impact, the human faculties including the basis sense of smell could be impaired.
Increasing confusion and inability to solve problems
Patients are also reported to experience anxiety and demonstrate an inability to solve simple problems such as following given steps to complete an action, deciphering meaning and implications of words, making connections, and repeating an otherwise ordinary task. This could also include patients getting confused about what day it is, whether they locked the door, or recall what they were doing an hour ago, or on a particular day or vacation. This state of confusion could progress into more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. Although not conclusive, these are classic symptoms of the onset of the disease.
Sleep disorders and disorientation
Some research is corroborating that patients suffering from sleep disorders could develop Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia in later life. Therefore, a healthy and balanced lifestyle adds great value to general well-being and strength, and the absence of it could lead to cognitive impairments of various kind. Patients may often experience disorientation, e.g. what direction to take, which words to choose to convey a message, and how to respond to different situations.
These disorientations clubbed together with occasional to frequent memory loss, such as, where the car keys were last kept, where the superstore is located and how to reach it, significantly impact the quality of life and contribute to anxiety and depression among patients, and even family members and caregivers.
Lifestyle and preventive measures
While available research suggests that Alzheimer’s is incurable or the effects irreversible, a preventive approach could keep the disease away. There is always hope. A healthy lifestyle has far reaching effects and impact on the quality of life. One must be aware of what productive actions to take for a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and identify the routines and regimens that promote and support overall well-being.
The preventive approach advocates for consistent routines in
• regular exercise
• positive and productive social engagements and interactions
• managing stress and sleep schedules
• eating healthy and avoiding alcohol and substance abuse
Much of what we eat determines our general health and well-being. Taking the right nutrients and supplements adds value to the consistent routines of managing a good and healthy lifestyle. Be wise! Start today!
Diagnosis and planning for the future
While the different symptoms reported are indicative, experiencing any one or all of them may not always conclude one has Alzheimer’s. Be very focused in your approach to understanding the disease and read articles and books, and use mobile apps, to get the right information. However, do not ignore and overlook symptoms if they persist and affect the quality of life. Often patients are unable to identify these changes in themselves and deny symptoms, which are otherwise noticeable to family and close friends. A complete medical assessment is required to diagnose any degenerative disease of the brain.
A positive mindset. A positive outlook towards life.
While a healthy lifestyle and increased opportunities of engaging in cognitive activities could prevent degenerative diseases of the brain, none of the symptoms, if persisting, should be ignored. Be attentive to changes in your loved ones and yourself. Answer these concerns and learn more about the disease. Establish a healthy lifestyle and exercise the brain with mind relaxing exercises, and other various activities like crosswords, solving riddles and puzzles, and, engaging in rich discourse on topics of interest with friends and family, and such like. Seek medical advice to rule out the symptoms as Alzheimer’s. Remember, there is always hope and ways to manage the quality of life by developing coping mechanisms, accepting support and care from family and friends, and accepting the changes to plan for a better future. Keep well!
Author: Alma Causey
Alma is a mother, wife and a professional blogger. She writes frequently on health, technology and management. Her time is divided between writing and creating exotic cuisines in the kitchen. She loves to discover new places and you’ll often find her globe-trotting with her twins. Find her on Twitter: @Almacausey
can be enjoyed provided that you understand what’s really happening to your body. The key is to preserve your general well-being for as long as possible. As we get into retirement, a lot of things happen to our bodies and metabolism. Bones become more fragile, our skin loses elasticity, and in some situations, the brain may start sending bad signals. However, you shouldn’t allow these changes – which by the way, are perfectly normal – to interfere with 
. A well-balanced meal plan revives the metabolism, strengthens the bones, and sharpens the brain. Ditch junk foods and concentrate more on low-fat, fiber-rich and low-carb food varieties.
, or talking with a psychologist can help make the transition to senior life a lot smoother.
The holiday season is a special occasion, a time when we are surrounded by family and friends. Joy in the heart shines through symbolic gifts that we all love receiving and which are treasured due to their strong significance.
for their presence in our life. The value of any gift comes from the strong connection we have with the giver.
for them to use both on linoleum and hardwood and make their jobs so much easier every day.
is the perfect tool for everyone to use with the purpose of having fresh, delicious coffee made easily every morning.
that can provide it, due to various medical conditions or just for the specific needs a senior citizen has. Placing your relative in a nursing home can be a difficult decision to make, as many of us are concerned with the quality of life our loved ones will receive and find it hard to put them in the hands of strangers. This decision must be analyzed objectively and ultimately be in the best interest of our senior relatives and the whole family.
is your best option.
and perform background checks on them: any disciplinary issue in their past will be taken into consideration when they are evaluated. Also, a lot of nursing homes require their employees to report any misconduct of their colleagues and keep the environment safe and professional.
. People are living longer and this means more of a drain on their finances and more demand for care in their home or assisted living. The industry is still advancing, which means significant changes will soon begin to materialize:
has also contributed to this shift in housing needs. There are even facilities appearing which cater for those who have memory problems and may be better suited to living in an environment that reflects their 
.
. As these devices become more advanced and more affordable they will become a 
in many older people’s homes. They can provide assistance for all their living requirements allowing them to retain their independence for much longer.
whilst having a source of help nearby.
and the opportunity for all residents to have a say in community decisions.