Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a continuous pathophysiological process in which AD-specific pathological changes occur in the human brain decades before clinical symptoms appear. Although there is currently no effective treatment for AD, in recent years, researchers have gradually discovered various AD-related biomarkers, making it possible to diagnose AD in the early clinical stage and implement interventions. Therefore, it is necessary to know the early signs of AD. This article provides a brief overview of the 20 early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
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1 Memory loss
You always forget where you put your keys, maybe you're naturally forgetful. But on the other hand, if you often forget recent events or new information, the Alzheimer's Association of Canada warns that you may be at risk of developing AD.
2 Difficulty completing daily events
You don't know how to use the dishwasher, cooking a meal has become a challenge, and you have forgotten how to brush your teeth? One of the most common early symptoms of AD is difficulty performing habitual activities. If these conditions are similar to yours, then talk to your doctor.
3. Difficulty expressing oneself
Occasional difficulty finding the right vocabulary does not necessarily mean that you have AD. However, if you have these language problems (difficulty completing sentences, forgetting simple words, calling by the wrong name, etc.) that make it difficult for your friends and family to understand, then you are at a higher risk of developing AD.
4 Disorientation
One of the most common early symptoms of AD is disorientation. For example, some patients forget what day it is. Others may think that they live in a different period or have difficulty figuring out where they are, but the appearance of these signs should not be taken lightly and a doctor needs to be sought out.
5 Difference in judgment
If you suspect you have AD, then your doctor may evaluate your judgment. What does bad judgment look like? For example, wearing a lot of clothes on a hot day or going out without a coat in the winter are typical examples of people with dementia.
6 Poor computational (numeric) ability
It's common to make mistakes often when budgeting, because we can't all be math geniuses. However, there may be concerns when you can't figure out how to pay your bill or add a simple amount. According to the Alzheimer's Association, one of the early symptoms of AD is difficulty processing numbers.
7 is no longer able to follow the plan
Some people have a hard time going according to their plan, but that doesn't mean they're at risk of AD. However, those who may have this neurodegenerative disease have a hard time planning their daily activities. If they may not be able to follow the plan.
8 Always put things in the wrong place
People at risk of AD tend to mistakenly store frequently used items. For example, they might put dirty dishes in the washing machine or dirty clothes in the dishwasher. However, when they can't find the item, they feel lost and lost.
9 I don't know myself in the mirror
If you feel unfamiliar with your own image in the mirror. Then you should see a doctor as it can be a symptom of AD.
10 Vision problems
Age-related vision loss and the need to wear glasses are normal. But the Alzheimer's Society warns that losing the ability to read, judge distances and recognize colors is abnormal.
11 Longing for solitude
Just because you don't want to go to the gym doesn't mean you're at potential risk of AD despite your membership. Perhaps, like everyone else, you may just lose the motivation to exercise.
12 Changes in mood
A variety of things can cause mood changes. Most of the time, they are only temporary, and they all return to calm. Sometimes, however, this change may indicate a more serious underlying condition. People with AD often experience sudden mood changes. They tend to feel sad, happy, calm, or anxious for a few seconds.
13 Personality changes
Your personality changes so that your friends and loved ones no longer know you. If your lover notices a change in your personality, you should go to a doctor for an evaluation. In some cases, the personality of AD patients may change. For example, an extremely introverted person may become extroverted and vice versa.
14 Loss of motivation
While decreased motivation is not always a sign of AD (causes may include fatigue or depression), it should not be taken lightly. If you lack enthusiasm and start to have a negative impact on your life, you should consult a doctor.
15 Decreased spontaneity
Just because your boss criticizes you for your lack of initiative doesn't mean you suffer from AD. Some people may be more passive than others. However, if you notice that you have become less spontaneous or no longer show initiative in some aspects of your life, you should consult a doctor. The National Institute on Aging suggests that it is possible that you are experiencing the early signs of AD.
16 Decreased vitality
Fatigue is often accompanied by many health problems, such as the flu. In the first stage of AD disease, patients will feel a decrease in energy, which lasts for an average of 2~4 years. Regardless of the cause, unexplained fatigue requires consultation with a doctor.
17 Coordination issues
People with mild AD sometimes have coordination problems. They lose the ability to use certain everyday objects or have difficulty writing. But those who don't write well don't necessarily have a higher risk of AD.
18 Difficulty sleeping
For most people with AD, sleep disturbance is a nocturnal ordeal and is often accompanied by some of the other symptoms mentioned in this article.
19 Strange thoughts
Some people with AD have some unusual thoughts in the first few years of the disease. They may misinterpret someone else's intentions. For example, some people may think that the nurse is going to hurt them, or that the doctor is "messing around" on their head. In addition, it should be noted that other diseases, such as schizophrenia, can also present this symptom.
20 Feeling out of control over your life
Some patients in the early stages of AD feel like they have lost control of their lives before they show more severe symptoms. Without a diagnosis of AD, this feeling of theirs remains unexplained and generates a huge sense of frustration. If you think you may have AD, or if you are concerned about your health, you should consult your doctor.
医脉通编译自：20 early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. MSN.lifestyle.April.1.2019.