How to Recognize the Symptoms of Alzheimers Disease


Alzheimers disease can be a difficult illness to recognize at first because the symptoms of Alzheimers come in stages, and can progress over a period of many years. Early symptoms of Alzheimers are not always as clear and the symptoms in the middle and later phases, which become the classic symptoms that you often hear about. For example, the inability to recognize family and friends or the potential for wandering away from home and becoming lost. It is good to have an idea of what the preliminary symptoms of Alzheimers disease look like as well, so that you can begin to prepare for the illness as early as possible.

Early Symptoms of Alzheimers Disease

The early symptoms of this illness can surface a number of years before the disease progresses to the next phase of symptoms. These first signs can include a shorter attention span and a difficulty completing tasks. Lapses in memory, poor judgement and subtle personality changes can all be early symptoms of Alzheimers disease. You may notice that a family member is beginning to forget names more frequently, or that words dont seem to come to them as easily in conversations. A patient in the early stages of Alzheimers may begin to put things in odd places, like his wallet in the dishwasher or socks in the refrigerator. Sometimes people who are beginning to show the signs of Alzheimers will appear more withdrawn, frustrated or angry than usual.

Symptoms of Alzheimers Disease in the Middle Stage

At this stage of Alzheimers disease, a person may begin to forget who family members are and get them confused with each other. The ability to follow written instructions fades, and even simple tasks like getting dressed can become confusing and difficult to complete. You may find that your family member will show symptoms of Alzheimers disease like confusion over the time of day or year. Urinary and fecal incontinence is also a sign of the mid-stages of this illness. This may become the time when an Alzheimers patient develops a tendency to wander and get lost, which becomes a huge safety issue for the family members who are caring for the person.

Late Stage Symptoms of Alzheimers Disease

At the end of Alzheimers disease, many patients will lose the ability to walk unassisted, and some will not even be able to sit up without help. Many will no longer be able to speak and will become completely incontinent. Because the act of swallowing can cause choking at this stage, many will stop eating at this point as well. Some will live with this disease for only a few years and others will survive for a decade or more. The average life span for someone with Alzheimers is usually around eight years from the time of diagnosis. For those caring for someone with the symptoms of Alzheimers disease, this can be a trying time indeed.

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They may no longer be able to speak and need assistance with everything from feeding to going to the bathroom.

Bathing and dressing can be a simple task or an extreme challenge for an Alzheimers caregiver as some patients enjoy it and have no trouble at all, while others may find it a terrifying experience. As well in regards to the Alzheimers disease and prevention matter, you want to socialize as much as possible, and this is actually one of the most important Alzheimers disease and prevention steps of all, because active involvement with your family and friends can lower your risk of dementia, and besides stimulating your brain, it lessens depression that can result from isolation. Usually Alzheimers disease normally appears after a person turns 60-years-old.

- In nearly every case the exact cause of Alzheimers disease is unknown.
It is good to have an idea of what the preliminary symptoms of Alzheimers disease look like as well, so that you can begin to prepare for the illness as early as possible. - In nearly every case the exact cause of Alzheimers disease is unknown. What is the Alzheimers Gene?

Its a disease that occurs for no known reason, making it nearly impossible to find a cure until the reason for the disease surfaces.
The contents of the letter show the courage and determination of the former President in meeting the challenges posed to him from this dreadful disease and not wanting to keep the Alzheimers Ronald Reagan condition private was a bold move on his part in that by going public it would raise consciousness about Alzheimers disease and promote better understanding of the condition. The progression of Alzheimers disease then hits stage 5, where the individual may not remember their address, or phone number. The next two stages show an increase in the patients inability to physically take care of themselves. Many times, visitors of the website are the ones asking the questions, so if you cant find what youre looking for, you can ask the question yourself to receive and answer.