What are the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease?
It's not uncommon to occasionally forget dates or lose items, and these events may become more common as we age. But while occasional memory slippage may be a normal consequence of getting older, Alzheimer's disease is not. If memory problems
interfere with one's day-to-day activities, it may be time to seek a doctor's help.
It's important to understand the early warning signs of Alzheimer's and to seek a medical diagnosis if several symptoms are noticed. Often, it is a family member or close associate who first notices a change in the behavior or mood of a loved one; these people are instrumental in helping the person to get medical care.
Click here for a list of 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease, a self-assessment tool developed by the Alzheimer's Association.
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Is memory loss always a sign of Alzheimer's?
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the possible causes of Alzheimer's disease, but many questions remain. It is likely that many factors, both inherited and environmental, interact in complex, poorly understood ways to cause the disease. (Also see Risk Factors below.)
In addition to investigating what might trigger Alzheimer's in some people, scientists have identified a number of brain changes that are associated with Alzheimer's. These include the characteristic plaques and tangles around and inside nerve cells that were first described by the German physician Alois Alzheimer in 1906. (More detail below in What happens to the brain in Alzheimer's disease?)
Click here to learn what scientific research is revealing about the possible causes of Alzheimer's disease.
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What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
The term Mild Cognitive Impairment, or MCI, is increasingly being used to describe a syndrome of memory impairment that does NOT significantly impact daily activities and is not accompanied by declines in overall cognitive function.
Researchers have found that 6 percent to 25 percent of people with MCI progress to Alzheimer's, which has raised questions about whether MCI might represent some kind of "transitional stage" between normal aging and dementia. In fact, many experts believe that MCI, as well as age-related memory loss, may always be an early form of
Alzheimer's, and progression to symptomatic Alzheimer's disease may be only a matter of time. In some people, the progression may be very slow, so the person may die of other causes before displaying the full spectrum of Alzheimer's symptoms. MCI is now recognized as a clinical condition that requires ongoing assessment and possibly treatment to delay its progression.
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Are there other health problems that might cause Alzheimer's-like symptoms?
Memory loss and other problems with cognition or mood could have causes other than Alzheimer's disease. That's why medical evaluation is so important. Other possible causes include side effects of medications; certain illnesses such as small strokes or cerebrovascular disease; thyroid gland problems; depression; fatigue; grief; vision or hearing loss; alcohol use; and potentially even chronic stress. Some of these are treatable or even reversible.
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How do symptoms progress over time?
Alzheimer's disease is progressive, which means that symptoms worsen over time.
How fast the disease progresses, and what pattern symptoms might follow, is
variable by individual.
Researchers and doctors use a number of scales to measure the progression of
symptoms over time, which may define as many as seven distinct stages of the
disease. For general purposes, three broad phases are typically recognized:
mild, moderate and severe. The symptoms commonly seen in each stage are summarized
below, but it's important to realize that there may be some overlap among the
stages, and that people may not experience all of these symptoms.
Symptoms by Stage of Disease
Mild Symptoms
- Confusion and memory loss
- Disorientation; getting lost in familiar surroundings
- Problems with routine tasks
- Changes in personality and judgment
Moderate Symptoms
- Difficulty with activities of daily living, such as eating and bathing
- Anxiety, suspiciousness, agitation
- Sleep disturbances
- Wandering, pacing
- Difficulty recognizing family and friends
Severe Symptoms
- Loss of speech
- Loss of appetite; weight loss
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Total dependence on caregiver
Source: Gwyther LP. Care of Alzheimer's Patients: A Manual for Nursing Home
Staff, Chicago: AHCA and AA, 1985.
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How do I know if it's Alzheimer's?
The only way to know for sure is to obtain a medical diagnosis from a well-trained medical professional, who will determine if symptoms might be due to other causes. If Alzheimer's is the diagnosis, treatment should be started as soon as possible so that the person with the disease can be as involved as possible in treatment decisions and planning for the future.
Facing the possibility of an Alzheimer's diagnosis in yourself or a loved one can be traumatic. While it may be a difficult step, taking action to see a doctor right away for a diagnostic evaluation may actually help resolve anxiety. If Alzheimer's is found to be probable, your doctor can help you understand what to expect, how best to maximize quality of life, and how to find the support and resources that you will need. You may also find it helpful to consult a counselor, spiritual advisor (such as a minister or rabbi), or psychiatrist - someone who can help you and your family cope with the emotional and psychological burden of Alzheimer's.
Learn more at:www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/memory.html
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