Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. But if it happens more than often and is already affecting your daily life, it can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. It’s a progressive neurological disorder due to generalized degeneration of the brain, causing memory loss and cognitive decline.
Early diagnosis is very important for early treatment. So if you are worried about your mental sharpness or of a loved one’s, here are 6 signs to watch out for that may hint the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
1. Memory Loss
Like I said, forgetfulness is not a problem but if you easily forget information you just learned, important events, dates, names and even ask the same information over and over again, it may not be normal anymore. Forgetting the function of objects may also be early signs of Alzheimer’s.
2. Confusion to Time and Place
This is when you feel disoriented all the time; like getting lost easily, suddenly not having a sense of direction, forgetting where you are or even forgetting how you got to that place.
3. Trouble Solving Problems and Making Plans
Is it hard to solve problems like simple numbers when tracking bills and doing your budget? Or maybe you are having trouble in making plans or following procedures? These things should warn you about Alzheimer’s.
4. Unable to Comprehend and Understand
When simple conversations and vocabulary become hard to comprehend, then it might be considered as early signs. Frequent mistakes in calling things by their correct name or not finding the proper words when writing and talking may also hint this mental disorder.
5. Misplacing Things
Yes, everyone misplaces their belongings from time to time. But when you find those things placed in unusual places all the time, like the fridge, that’s alarming.
6. Altered Sense of Smell and Taste
As the disease sets in, your taste buds and sense of smell begin to change. You may find yourself or your loved one adding more and more salt or sugar to their meals when in fact, the food doesn’t really need it. For example, pouring so much soy sauce over a food up to the point that it’s already inedible for others.
If you find yourself or your loved one experiencing one or more of these signs, visit your doctor right away.
