Alzheimer's Awareness: Top 10 Signs Of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Awareness month was acknowledged in September 2015. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that more than 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, but up to  5% of them are young/early onset affecting people under age 65. Some people are experiencing symptoms in their 40's-50's. What is Alzheimer's? A lot of people do not actually know what the definition is but know that the loved one affected is not the same person they grew to know and love.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease is "a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior." The symptoms develop slowly but eventually become so severe that they interfere with activities of daily living.

Per the Mayo Clinic, "Dementia isn't a specific disease. Instead, dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Dementia indicates problems with at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and impaired judgment or language, and the inability to perform some daily activities such as paying bills or becoming lost while driving. Though memory loss generally occurs in dementia, memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia. There is a certain extent of memory loss that is a normal part of aging. Many causes of dementia symptoms exist. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of a progressive dementia. Some causes of dementia may be reversible."

Early detection is always vital and knowledge is power. It will enable you to help your loved one receive appropriate/timely treatment, support and future care.

The Alzheimer's Association provided a convenient list of 10 Signs of Alzheimer's Disease:

1.Memory loss that disrupts daily life

2.Challenges in planning or solving problems

3.Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure

4.Confusion with time or place

5.Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships

6.New problems with words in speaking or writing

7.Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps

8.Decreased or poor judgement

9.Withdrawal from work or social activities

10.Changes in mood and personality


If you have any questions or concerns regarding the signs in reference to you or a loved one please contact or consult with a physician as soon as possible.  You may also contact Angel Nurseworks and receive guidance to the appropriate discipline.

I wish you well in all that you do!


Deneene Shipanga RN BSN
Owner/Operator Angel Nurseworks
Home Health Care/Private Duty Nursing
www.angelnurseworks.com
267-225-7505