Alzheimer’s Symptoms: You Should Know This
Do I already show symptoms of Alzheimer’s or am I just a little forgetful? We’ll explain the differences and tell you what else you should be aware of.
Definition and causes: What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease (named after Alois Alzheimer, who first described the clinical picture in 1906), describes a neurodegenerative disease and represents a form of dementia. In Alzheimer’s patients show symptoms such as memory disorders, speech disorders and disorientation. The further the disease progresses, the worse the symptoms become – until those affected can no longer manage their daily lives on their own and eventually die. Alzheimer’s disease is triggered by the slow death of nerve cells and contacts in the brain.
Up to 25 years before the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s appear, corresponding changes in the brain can occur. Alzheimer’s disease usually begins with mild cognitive disorders that get steadily worse over the course of up to 20 years. In some cases, the symptoms start very suddenly or the course of the disease is variable, the patient experiences good and worse days. There are a total of four stages of Alzheimer’s disease – in the last stage, the affected person is dependent on help around the clock and eventually dies of the disease.
Signs: Am I just forgetful or am I showing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
It is completely normal that memory performance decreases with age. However, it is often difficult for laypeople to draw a line between age-related forgetfulness and changes that indicate Alzheimer’s. You should know these Alzheimer symptoms:
1. Memory loss affects everyday life
People affected by Alzheimer’s often forget information they have just learned or important dates or events. They repeat the same question several times and need more mnemonic aids, such as calendar entries. If you only forget dates or names now and then, but they come back to you later, the memory disorder is usually more age-related and not a form of dementia.
2. Accustomed tasks cause problems
Everyday tasks that you have actually done hundreds of times before suddenly become difficult in Alzheimer’s disease. For example, those affected suddenly no longer know how to use the computer at work or cannot remember the rules of their favourite board game. Those who only need support with unfamiliar tasks from time to time, for example when tuning in a new TV channel, are more likely to suffer from age-related forgetfulness.
3. Planning and problem-solving difficulties
Alzheimer’s patients have problems concentrating on something for a longer time and planning things in advance. For example, they get bogged down in paying bills and need considerably more time than before to solve simple problems. In contrast, age-related memory disorders tend to cause a certain amount of distraction from time to time, especially when many things have to be done at once.
4. Speech and writing disorders
People affected by Alzheimer’s often find it difficult to follow and actively participate in conversations because they lose the thread. Word-finding disorders and frequent repetition are also typical Alzheimer’s symptoms. On the other hand, it is normal for older people to forget a word now and then.
5. Orientation disorders – spatial and temporal
Anyone who suddenly can no longer read the clock or no longer knows what year he or she is in could show the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s. It is also noticeable when you suddenly get lost on familiar paths, for example when driving to work. On the other hand, it is unproblematic if, for example, you forget the current date from time to time, but remember it again later.
6. Objects are often misplaced
Suddenly, the front door key is in the fridge and butter is on the bedside table: Alzheimer’s patients often misplace objects and don’t find them again or put them in places where they don’t belong. This can go so far that they accuse other people of theft because they do not know where they left an object. In the case of age-related forgetting, people only misplace something now and then, but then find it again later.
7. Perception disorders
Recognizing spatial dimensions and images is a major challenge for people with Alzheimer’s disease. For example, they recognise colours and contrasts less well and faces are hardly recognisable. Poorer vision in old age, on the other hand, can often be attributed to the eye disease cataract.
8. Poor judgment
With Alzheimer’s disease, people tend to make bad decisions whose consequences they can hardly assess. For example, they spend a lot of money on useless things or make poor choices in clothing – for example, they leave the house in winter with flip-flops. With normal age-related changes, on the other hand, you may make a bad decision every now and then, but then you realize it.
Alzheimer’s patients usually show little or no interest in previous hobbies or social activities, and they are more likely to fail due to professional demands and no longer trust their own abilities. Although they notice this themselves, they feel insecure and withdraw even further. It is rather harmless if someone feels a little overstrained only now and then and would like to have a moment of peace and quiet.
10. Behaviour and personality change
A common symptom of Alzheimer’s is severe mood swings without any apparent reason. Those affected are often restless and suddenly develop distrust or even aggression towards familiar people. Places unknown to them make them very nervous. Age-related forgetting is more likely to manifest itself through irritation when routines are suddenly changed.
When should I see the doctor?
If any of the above-mentioned signs occur repeatedly, it is essential to consult a doctor. Only a doctor can make the diagnosis – and the earlier Alzheimer’s is detected and treatment begins, the better. This is because the drugs that can delay the progression of the disease work best at the beginning of the disease. In addition, relatives can seek support as soon as possible – depending on the progression of the disease, the handling and care of a person suffering from Alzheimer’s can be exhausting.