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February,
2004
Alzheimer's
Warning Signs
Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not part of the normal aging
process. It is a symptom of dementia, a gradual and progressive decline
in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. The most common cause of dementia
is Alzheimer's disease, a disorder that results in the loss of brain cells.
Ten Warning Signs You Should Know
1 Memory loss.
One of the earliest signs of dementia is forgetting recently learned information.
While it's normal to forget appointments, names, or telephone numbers,
those with dementia will forget such things more often and not remember
them later.
2 Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
People with dementia often find it hard to complete everyday tasks that
are so familiar we usually do not stop to think about how to do them.
A person with Alzheimer's may not know the steps for preparing a meal,
using a household appliance, or participating in a lifelong hobby.
3 Problems with language.
Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with
Alzheimer's disease often forgets simple words or substitutes unusual
words, making his or her speech or writing hard to understand. If a person
with Alzheimer's is unable to find his or her toothbrush, for example,
the individual may ask for "that thing for my mouth."
4 Disorientation to time and place
It's normal to forget the day of the week or where you're going. But people
with Alzheimer's disease can become lost on their own street, forget where
they are and how they got there, and not know how to get back home.
5 Poor or decreased judgment.
No one has perfect judgment all of the time. Those with Alzheimer's may
dress without regard to the weather, wearing several shirts or blouses
on a warm day or very little clothing in cold weather.
6 Problems with abstract thinking.
Balancing a checkbook may be hard when the task is more complicated than
usual. Someone with Alzheimer's disease could forget completely what the
numbers are and what needs to be done with them.
7 Misplacing things.
Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or key. A person with Alzheimer's
disease may put things in unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a
wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
8 Changes in mood or behavior.
Everyone can become sad or moody from time to time. Someone with Alzheimer's
disease can show rapid mood swings-from calm to tears to anger- for no
apparent reason.
9 Changes in personality.
People's personalities ordinarily change somewhat with age. But a person
with Alzheimer's disease can change a lot, becoming extremely confused,
suspicious, fearful, or dependent on a family member.
10 Loss of initiative.
It's normal to tire of housework, business, activities, or social obligations
at times. The person with Alzheimer's disease may become very passive,
sitting in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual,
or not wanting to do usual activities.
If you recognize several of these warning signs in yourself or a loved
one, the Alzheimer's Association recommends consulting a physician. Early
diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other disorders causing dementia is
an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care, and support
services.
Drew Memorial Hospital will be hosting an Alzheimer's Support Group. For
more information call 870-460-3509.
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