Know the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer?s disease

Do you find you are forgetting things more than you used to? Are you worried about Aunt Patricia who put her keys in the fridge one day and her glasses in the cereal cupboard the next? Is Tio Carlos repeating the same three stories from the past, but can?t remember if he fed the dog that morning?

The symptoms of Alzheimer?s disease are more than simple lapses in memory.

People with Alzheimer?s experience difficulties communicating, learning, thinking and reasoning ? problems severe enough to have an impact on an individual?s work, social activities and family life. As the disease progresses, individuals may also experience changes in personality and behavior, such as anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation, even delusions or hallucinations.

Scientists believe that whatever triggers Alzheimer?s disease begins to damage the brain years before symptoms appear. By the time symptoms emerge, the nerve cells that store and retrieve information have already begun to die. Although there currently is no cure for Alzheimer?s, early detection can help.

The Alzheimer?s Association recommends looking for the following 10 warning signs:

1. Are his memory losses making it hard for him to lead his normal life?

2. Are there changes in her ability to plan or solve problems?

3. Is he having difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure?

4. Does she lose track of dates, seasons, the passage of time or forget where she is?

5. Is he having trouble with visual images/special relationships, for example difficulty determining colors, recognizing his neighbor or judging distance?

6. Does she have trouble following or joining in a conversation?

7. Does he put things in unusual places, or accuse others of stealing because he can?t remember what he did with something?

8. Is she having trouble with judgment or making informed decisions?

9. Is he withdrawing from work or social activities?

10. Are there changes in her personality?

Early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support and planning for the future. For information, call the Alzheimer?s Association at (800) 272-3900. If you have access to the Internet check out

alz.org/sandiego.

Currently, 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer?s disease.

Janice Yuwiler is a program manager at San Diego State University School of Social Work?s Academy for Professional Excellence and Mary Ball is president of the Alzheimer?s Association, San Diego/Imperial Chapter.

Source: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/11/know-the-10-warning-signs-of-alzheimers-disease/

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