How to Know if Someone has Alzheimer’s?

Detecting Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging, especially in its early stages. Alzheimer’s is a

progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behavior. If you are concerned about someone’s cognitive function, here are some common signs and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease:

1. Memory Loss:

• Forgetting recently learned information is a common early sign.
• Frequently asking for the same information or repeating questions.

2. Difficulty with Planning and Problem-Solving:

• Struggling to follow a plan or work with numbers.
• Difficulty concentrating and taking much longer to do things than before.

3. Confusion with Time or Place:

• Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time.
• Becoming disoriented in familiar places.

4. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks:

• Struggling to complete tasks that were previously routine, such as cooking a meal.
• Forgetting how to perform common activities like using a phone or driving.

5. Misplacing Items:

• Putting things in unusual places and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
• Accusing others of stealing, especially as memory loss progresses.

6. Changes in Speech and Writing:

• Having trouble finding the right word or calling things by the wrong name.
• Writing or speaking in a way that is hard to understand.

7. Poor Judgment:

• Making poor decisions that are unusual for the individual.
• Displaying lapses in judgment, such as giving away large sums of money.

8. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities:

• Losing interest in hobbies, work, or social activities.
• Withdrawing from social engagements due to difficulty keeping up with conversations.

9. Mood and Personality Changes:

• Changes in mood, such as increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.
• Shifts in personality, often becoming more suspicious or fearful.

It’s important to note that occasional memory lapses are a normal part of aging, and not everyone who exhibits these signs has Alzheimer’s disease. However, persistent and worsening cognitive difficulties should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. A comprehensive assessment by a neurologist or geriatrician may involve medical history, cognitive testing, brain imaging, and other diagnostic measures.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking medical attention early is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Early intervention can help improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families.