As human beings age, the risk of getting certain diseases will increase, and Alzheimer’s Disease is one of them. In the United States, around three million cases of Alzheimer’s Disease exist per year.
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Being age-related and non-reversible, Alzheimer’s Disease as a brain disorder develops over a period of years. Continue to read to learn more about it!
The major characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease is memory problems. At the beginning, people experience memory loss and confusion, which is a normal symptom people experience as they age. However, A person with Alzheimer’s disease will later experience behavior and personality changes, a decline in cognitive abilities, and problems recognizing family and friends. At the end, Alzheimer’s disease leads to severe mental health problems. Below listed are some symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory loss is normal as people get older, but if it disrupts daily life, it may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Usually in the early stage, forgetting new information or important dates and events, and asking the same question over and over again may be signs of Alzheimer’s disease. However, for an age-related memory loss, people may forget about something, but then remember it later.
Difficulty concentrating and finding it difficult to work with numbers.
Difficulty finishing daily tasks that used to be easy to complete. Such symptoms could be difficulty recalling a familiar recipe, trouble getting to a location that is familiar, etc..
Trouble keeping track of the time or date.
Having trouble following or joining a conversation. People may find themselves stop in the middle when they are talking or constantly repeating. Particularly, people may find it hard to find a vocabulary, or name something that should be familiar.
Poor judgement and difficulty making decisions
Changing in mood and personality.
Because Alzheimer’s disease is a typical example of neurodegenerative diseases, it is sometimes hard to tell whether one is just getting older or one really has Alzheimer’s disease. Getting help from an expert like a doctor would be helpful, and the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the less danger there will be.
We just went over some common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and many other neurodegenerative dementia will have the similar symptoms as Alzheimer’s. This was only a brief summary to the signs of Alzheimer’s disease, but it is always important that we notice the changes to our bodies and mental health states, and take self-care seriously.
Aging is something we all can not prevent, and it is coming to everyone no matter how old you are right now. Although we cannot really do anything to avoid it, spreading the words of kindness, and having a positive mindset would definitely help a lot during our daily lives!
Written by: Benetta Wang
Sources:
“Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease.” Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs. Accessed 21 Nov. 2020.
“Alzheimer’s Disease Information Page | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.” NIH, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Alzheimers-Disease-Information-Page. Accessed 21 Nov. 2020.
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