They say your memory is the first thing to go as you get older, but how forgetful is too forgetful? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone is diagnosed with the disease every 71 seconds. A scary statistic for a fatal disease that impacts not only the victim, but the victim’s entire family. But just being forgetful does not mean you have Alzheimer’s Disease. Let’s go over 10 warning signs to look out for and a quick definition of the disease provided by the Alzheimer’s Association.
Alzheimer’s Disease is a disease of the brain that is not a normal part of aging. It affects the memory, thinking, and behavior of the victim and accounts for 50% – 70% of all dementia cases. (Dementia is a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.) There is no cure and while someone can live with Alzheimer’s for quite some time, the disease is ultimately fatal. There are treatments, however, for some of the symptoms. If caught early enough, the treatments may be able to help prolong the quality of life. So, keep your eye out for the following signs:
1. Memory loss.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
3. Problems with language.
4. Disorientation to time and place.
5. Poor or decreased judgment.
6. Problems with abstract thinking.
7. Misplacing things.
8. Changes in mood or behavior.
9. Changes in personality.
10. Loss of initiative.
For more information on Alzheimer’s Disease, the symptoms, stages, and treatments – ask your doctor or visit the Alzheimer’s Association webpage.