Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder named for German physician Alois Alzheimer, who first described it in 1906. Scientists have learned a great deal about Alzheimer’s disease in the century since Dr. Alzheimer first drew attention to it
Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Difficulties with abstract thinking. People with Alzheimer’s may initially have trouble balancing their checkbook, a problem that progresses to trouble recognizing and dealing with numbers.
Difficulty finding the right word. It may be a challenge for those with Alzheimer’s to find the right words to express thoughts or even follow conversations. Eventually, reading and writing also are affected.
Failure to recognize or identify objects despite intact sensory function (agnosia)
A disturbance in executive functioning (e.g., planning, organizing, sequencing, abstracting)
Coughing is a defense mechanism that is used to clear the airways of mucus, inhale toxins, or a foreign body. Coughs can be productive or unproductive depending on how it is done. A productive cough should result in the clearing of mucus or secretions from the airways.
Personality changes
Losing interest in things previously enjoyed
Difficulty performing tasks that take some thought, but used to come easily, like balancing a checkbook, playing complex games (such as bridge), and learning new information or routines
Alzheimer’s victim can still perform tasks independently, but may need assistance with more complicated activities. Speech and understanding become slower, and patients often lose their train of thought in mid-sentence. They may also get lost while travelling or forget to pay bills. As Alzheimer’s victims become aware of this loss of control, they may become depressed, irritable and restless. The individual is clearly becoming disabled.
Mood Changes — Everyone can become sad or moody from time to time. However, someone with Alzheimer’s disease can show rapid mood swings — from calm to tears to anger — for no apparent reason.
Personality — Personalities ordinarily change somewhat with age but a person with Alzheimer’s disease may have a severe personality change, becoming extremely confused, suspicious, fearful or dependent on a family member.
Handling complex tasks. Do familiar activities like balancing a checkbook, cooking a meal, or other tasks that involve a complex train of thought, become increasingly difficult?
Ability to reason. Does the person find it difficult to respond appropriately to everyday problems, such as a flat tire? Does a previously well-adjusted person disregard rules of social conduct?
As the disease progresses, problems in abstract thinking and in other intellectual functions develop. The person may begin to have trouble with figures when working on bills, with understanding what is being read, or with organizing the day’s work.
Psychosis in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Mayo Clinic study identifies brain changes in people likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease
Clinical Aspects of Alzheimer’s Disease
During the late stages of the disease, people with Alzheimer’s may become totally dependent on others for their care. Walking can become difficult and urinary incontinence may develop. It is at this stage that many people consider residential care, with round-the-clock nursing.
