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Health & Fitness

Alzheimer's Disease: The Warning Signs

On 12th October 2013, the people of San Jose participated in one of the major events for Alzheimer’s disease. It was a walk to end Alzheimer’s. An initiative of the Alzheimer’s Association, the Walk to End Alzheimer's was the nation's biggest event for increasing awareness and raising funds for care, support and research of the disease.

Thousands walked, some who had firsthand experience with Alzheimer patients and others who did not know much about the disease. Some walked for fun, and some to help raise money.

"When my grandmother was diagnosed with the disease in 2007, my life changed forever. I learned the difficult lesson that Alzheimer's disease is not just about the elderly, or those at high-risk -- it's about families. It's about their ability, or inability, to cope with the heart-wrenching challenges ahead: the physical and emotional stress of watching a loved one slowly become a stranger, and the helplessness and frustration that come with the high costs and endless care associated with the disease, " says 19-year-old Matt Katawicz from Santa Clara University.

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There are many Matts in the world who have seen their loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s. Most of the time, it is far too late when the family realizes that their parent or a grandparent is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Research says that if the causes are understood, there is every chance to prevent the disease. There is a lot of optimism that the disease can be stopped with help and medication as soon as the first symptoms are seen.

Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s

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Early signs of Alzheimer’s are not clear cut. However, there are some symptoms that you may look out for that will help you be alert and see a doctor. Here are some signs to watch out for.

Loss of Memory: Memory loss is one of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease. People affected will be able to remember old memories. It is the recent incidents that they find difficult to remember. They tend to forget recent experiences, important dates, and events of their daily life. Though it not uncommon for us to forget certain parts of recent conversations, people with Alzheimer’s will forget the entire conversation.

Repeating Stories or Incidents: This is another common symptom of the disease. Your loved one may repeat the same story a number of times, sometimes word to word. It is quite common for them to ask the same questions again and again, no matter how many times they have got the answers.

Problem in Language: It is not uncommon for us to falter while speaking, struggling to get the right word out while speaking. Affected people will have trouble in remembering even basic words. They may also talks in a contorted way which is difficult to follow.

Mood Swings: There may be some changes seen in the personality which can act as a warning signal. People with Alzheimer’s may have sudden mood swings. They tend to become suddenly emotional, upset or show sign of anger. This mood change may have no particular reason. You may even see them withdrawn and be uninterested in doing the things that they normally enjoyed.

Confusion, Disorientation: getting lost is the first sign of Alzheimer’s. Affected people may get lost even at locations that they have been visiting for years. They could also get lost in their own neighborhoods. They may face difficulty in completing familiar tasks, like cooking or shaving.

If you have a loved one who is exhibiting any of these warning signs, please schedule an appointment with the doctor. It is only medical evaluation and the necessary tests that can confirm the condition.

Source:

http://www.navigatethemaze.com/Blogs/2014/March/alzheimers_disease_the_warning_signs.html



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