Recognizing Alzheimer's Disease

By Author: Tim Bridges
Total Articles: 138
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The number of diagnosed cases of Alzheimer's disease is on the rise as our population ages. Consider that approximately half of people over 85 have some degree of dementia and that Alzheimer's disease is the commonest form. Now consider that the U.S. population over age 85 will more than triple by mid-century, and the tragic scope of this growing problem becomes evident.

Early recognition is important because treatments works best if initiated early in the course of disease. Even today's limited treatment can help significantly, delaying or preventing institutionalization, preserving functional capacity and improving quality of life.

The Seven Warning Signs

Public health authorities often cite seven basic warning signs designed to help friends and family members recognize indications of Alzheimer's disease. They are:

1. Asking the same question over and over again.

2. Repeating the same story, word for word, again and again.

3. Forgetting how to cook, or how to make repairs, or how to play cards - activities that were previously done with ease and regularity.

4. Losing one's ...
... ability to pay bills or balance one's check book.

5. Getting lost in familiar surroundings or misplacing household objects.

6. Neglecting to bathe, or wearing the same clothes over and over again, while insisting that they have taken a bath or that their clothes are still clean.

7. Relying on someone else, such as a spouse, to make decisions or answer questions they previously would have handled themselves.

The Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease progresses over time. Most experts recognize three stages - early, intermediate and late. In the early stage, the individual may lose his or her spark, or zest for life. Recent memory loss may occur without any other change in appearance or conversation. There may be difficulties with new learning or making new memories, trouble finding words and organizing and thinking logically. Personality changes like irritability or uncharacteristic anger are common. Losing one's way, asking repetitive questions and indecisiveness are all also typical of early stage Alzheimer's disease.

In the intermediate stage of the disease changes in behaviour become more noticeable, such as the loss of concern about appearance, hygiene and manners. More severe behavioural manifestations can occur, like threatening, cursing, physical violence and screaming inappropriately. The individual may mix up the identity of family or friends and be unable to recognize familiar people or objects. Poor judgment creates the risk of wandering, self-neglect or exploitation. Paranoid ideation, unwarranted suspiciousness, delusions and hallucinations are not uncommon.

In late stage Alzheimer's disease the individual no longer can recognize self or family. Speech is affected; the individual may be mute or speak in gibberish. Walking becomes impaired, urinary and stool incontinence develop and the individual eventually becomes completely dependent, requiring total care.

Getting Help

Usually a family member is the first to suspect indications of dementia in a loved one. A doctor may not routinely inquire about early dementia symptoms at a routine office visit. It is incumbent upon family members to bring up the topic and ask for formal evaluation.

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