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Alzheimer's disease is a disease in which early diagnosis is essential to delay its progress, as it usually worsens with the progress of dementia. Although forgetfulness is the most recognized sign of this problem, Alzheimer's can begin to manifest itself with other symptoms such as mental confusion, apathy, changes in mood or loss of cognition to perform simple tasks like math math.
So it is very important to be aware of all the small changes that can help in identifying the disease. When it affects young people, Alzheimer's symptoms may start to appear around the age of 30 and is called early Alzheimer's, but the most common is that they appear from the age of 70. Learn how to identify Alzheimer's early.
Signs of Alzheimer's
Some important signs that can help in the early identification of the disease include:
- Memory loss, especially from more recent events;
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as using the phone or cooking;
- Disorientation, not identifying the date, the season, the place where you are;
- Problems of discernment, such as difficulty in dressing according to the season, for example;
- Language problems, such as forgetting simple words associated with difficulty in understanding speech and writing;
- Repeat conversations or tasks, due to constant forgetfulness;
- Changing the place of things, like putting the iron in the refrigerator, for example;
- Sudden change in mood for no apparent reason;
- Change in personality in order to identify in the person apathy, confusion, aggressiveness or distrust;
- Loss of initiative, with characteristics of disinterest in usual activities, with apathy.
Although forgetfulness is the most recognized sign of this problem, Alzheimer's can begin to manifest itself with the other symptoms and, therefore, being aware of all the small changes can help to identify the disease at a less advanced stage.
How to diagnose Alzheimer's
To make the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease it is necessary to observe various signs and symptoms of dementia. In addition, to confirm what type of dementia it is necessary to perform imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan.
At the doctor's office, the neurologist may perform a series of tests that may indicate impaired memory and orientation.
Take this quick test to find out if you may have Alzheimer's:
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Is your memory good?
- I have a good memory, although there are small forgetfulnesses that do not interfere with my daily life.
- Sometimes I forget things like the question they asked me, I forget commitments and where I left the keys.
- I usually forget what I went to do in the kitchen, in the living room, or in the bedroom and also what I was doing.
- I can't remember simple and recent information like the name of someone I just met, even if I try hard.
- It is impossible to remember where I am and who are the people around me.
Do you know what day it is?
- I am usually able to recognize people, places and know what day it is.
- I don't remember very well what day it is and I have a slight difficulty saving dates.
- I'm not sure what month it is, but I'm able to recognize familiar places, but I'm a little confused in new places and I can get lost.
- I don't remember exactly who my family members are, where I live and I don't remember anything from my past.
- All I know is my name, but sometimes I remember the names of my children, grandchildren or other relatives
Are you still able to make decisions?
- I am fully capable of solving everyday problems and deal well with personal and financial issues.
- I have some difficulty understanding some abstract concepts like why a person can be sad, for example.
- I'm feeling a little insecure and I'm afraid to make decisions and that's why I prefer others to decide for me.
- I don't feel able to solve any problem and the only decision I make is what I want to eat.
- I am unable to make any decisions and I am totally dependent on the help of others.
Do you still have an active life outside the home?
- Yes, I can work normally, I shop, I am involved with the community, the church and other social groups.
- Yes, but I am starting to have some difficulty driving but I still feel safe and know how to handle emergency or unplanned situations.
- Yes, but I am unable to be alone in important situations and I need someone to accompany me on social commitments to be able to appear as a "normal" person to others.
- No, I don't leave the house alone because I don't have the capacity and I always need help.
- No, I am unable to leave the house alone and I am too sick to do so.
How are your skills at home?
- Great. I still have chores around the house, I have hobbies and personal interests.
- I no longer feel like doing anything at home, but if they insist, I can try to do something.
- I completely abandoned my activities, as well as more complex hobbies and interests.
- All I know is to bathe alone, get dressed and watch TV and I am not able to do any other chores around the house.
- I am not able to do anything alone and I need help with everything.
How's your personal hygiene?
- I am fully capable of taking care of myself, dressing, washing, showering and using the bathroom.
- I am starting to have some difficulty taking care of my own personal hygiene.
- I need others to remind me that I have to go to the bathroom, but I can handle my needs myself.
- I need help getting dressed and cleaning myself and sometimes I pee on clothes.
- I can't do anything alone and I need someone else to take care of my personal hygiene.
Is your behavior changing?
- I have normal social behavior and there are no changes in my personality.
- I have small changes in my behavior, personality and emotional control.
- My personality is changing little by little, before I was very friendly and now I am a bit grumpy.
- They say that I have changed a lot and I am no longer the same person and I am already avoided by my old friends, neighbors and distant relatives.
- My behavior changed a lot and I became a difficult and unpleasant person.
Can you communicate well?
- I have no difficulty speaking or writing.
- I am starting to have some difficulty finding the right words and it takes me longer to complete my reasoning.
- It is increasingly difficult to find the right words and I have been having difficulty naming objects and I notice that I have less vocabulary.
- It is very difficult to communicate, I have difficulty with words, to understand what they say to me and I do not know how to read or write.
- I just can't communicate, I say almost nothing, I don't write and I don't really understand what they tell me.
How's your mood?
- Normal, I don't notice any change in my mood, interest or motivation.
- Sometimes I get sad, nervous, anxious or depressed, but without major worries in life.
- I get sad, nervous or anxious every day and this has become more and more frequent.
- Every day I feel sad, nervous, anxious or depressed and I have no interest or motivation to carry out any task.
- Sadness, depression, anxiety and nervousness are my daily companions and I totally lost my interest in things and I am no longer motivated for anything.
Can you focus and pay attention?
- I have perfect attention, good concentration and great interaction with everything around me.
- I'm starting to have a hard time paying attention to something and I get drowsy during the day.
- I have some difficulty in attention and little concentration, so I can stare at a point or with my eyes closed for a while, even without sleeping.
- I spend a good part of the day sleeping, I don't pay attention to anything and when I talk I say things that are not logical or that have nothing to do with the topic of the conversation.
- I can't pay attention to anything and I am completely unfocused.
Alzheimer's symptoms can also be a sign of other degenerative diseases, such as dementia with Lewy bodies. Understand what Lewy dementia is and what the symptoms are.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of Alzheimer's disease is done by taking medications to reduce the symptoms of the disease, such as Memantine, in addition to the need for physical therapy and cognitive stimulation.
Thus, as the disease has no cure, treatment must be instituted for life and, it is normal for the individual to become dependent on others to perform daily tasks, such as eating, brushing teeth or bathing and, therefore, it is important to have a close caregiver to assist and avoid the patient being in danger. See more details of treatment for Alzheimer's.
Learn more about this disease, how to prevent it and how to care for the person with Alzheimer's in the following video: