Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

by Heather Finch

Alzheimer's Disease is an illness of the brain that usually affects people aged 65 years or older. Though there is not yet a cure, early diagnosis and treatment can lessen the symptoms, maximize the quality and length of life remaining, and give more time to plan for the future.

The early signs of Alzheimer's Disease can be easy to miss, and are in fact very similar to normal cognitive changes that happen with age. However, when these changes begin to impair your life or the life of someone you know, it is time to go see a doctor.

Such changes may include:

Forgetting recently learned information
Asking the same question or repeating the same story over and over again
Becoming confused or getting lost in familiar surroundings
Forgetting how to perform normal activities; such as cooking or taking a shower
Declining math skills, such as balancing a checkbook or the ability to do simple arithmetic
Forgetting simple words, or substituting incorrect or unusual words for everyday objects
Decreased ability to make everyday decisions, like what to wear, or making inappropriate decisions, like wearing winter clothes in the summer
Mood swings, dramatic changes in personality
Any of these symptoms gradually worsening

Doctors cannot positively identify Alzheimer's Disease without doing a brain biopsy, but the doctor may run some tests, or refer you to someone who can. Such tests may include mental status tests to determine the extent of cognitive loss, a physical exam to rule out physical causes or memory loss, or a neurological exam to determine if symptoms may indicate a different brain disorder.

It is extremely important to meet with a physician, because your symptoms may be caused by a treatable condition, such as taking certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive alcohol use.

To help your doctor make a diagnosis, you may want to do the following:

Make a list of medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements and the dosage for each
Keep a log of the symptoms you are exhibiting
Determine when the symptoms first appeared, and to what extent they may have progressed
Have an understanding of your typical diet, or keep a log of your daily food and drink consumption

For more information about Alzheimer's Disease, visit the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or call their 24/7 hotline at 1.800.272.3900, or the National Institute on Aging at www.nia.nih.gov or 1.800.438.4380.