Are
you worried about your mental sharpness? Or maybe that of a loved one’s?
Mild
forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. If you have trouble remembering
someone's name but it comes to you later, that's not a serious memory problem.
But
if memory problems are seriously affecting your daily life, they could be early signs of Alzheimer's disease. While the number
of symptoms you have and how strong they are vary, it’s important to identify
the early signs. You need to ask yourself some tough questions.
1. Memory
loss
This is the
most common symptom. Do you easily forget information you just learned? Do you
lose track of important dates, names, and events? Do you forget big things even
happened? Do you ask for the same information over and over? Do you rely
heavily on memory aids like Post-it notes or reminders on your smartphone?
2. Trouble
planning and problem solving
Do you have
trouble making plans and sticking to them? Is it tricky to follow a recipe,
even one you’ve used many times? Is it hard to concentrate on detailed tasks,
especially if they involve numbers? For example, can you keep track of your
bills and balance your checkbook?
3. Daily
tasks are a challenge
Even familiar
things can become hard. Do you have trouble driving to a location you go to
often? Can you complete an ordinary task at work? Do you forget the rules of
your favorite game?
4. Times and
places are confusing
Can you fully
grasp something that’s not happening right now? Are you disoriented? Do you get
lost easily? Do you forget where you are? Do you remember how you got there?
5. Changes
in vision
Is it harder to
read the words on the page? Do you have trouble judging distance? Can you tell
colors apart? This is important because it can affect your driving.
6. Words and
conversations are frustrating
Vocabulary
becomes hard. Can you find the right word you’re looking for? Or do you call
things by the wrong name?
Conversations
can be a struggle. Do you avoid joining in? Are you able to follow along? Do
you suddenly stop in the middle of a discussion because you don’t know what to
say? Do you keep repeating yourself?
7.
You lose things
Everyone
misplaces things from time to time, but can you retrace your steps to find them
again? Do you put things in unusual places, like your watch in the
refrigerator? Do you accuse people of taking things?
8.
Lapse in judgment
Have
you made poor decisions lately? Do you make mistakes with money, like giving it
away when you normally wouldn’t?
Are
you showering as often? Do you take less care of yourself? Do you dress for the
wrong weather?
9.
Social withdrawal
Are
you scaling back on projects at work? Are you less involved with your favorite
hobbies? Do you lack motivation? Do you find yourself watching television or
sleeping more than usual?
10.
Mood changes
Do
you get upset more easily? Do you feel depressed, scared, or anxious? Are you
suspicious of people?
Seeing
Your Doctor
If
you notice these signs, talk with your doctor. She will evaluate your physical
and mental health. She will
look over your medical history and do a mental status test, which looks at your
memory, ability to solve simple problems, and thinking skills. She may also do blood or brain imaging tests.
She
may then refer you to someone who specializes in Alzheimer’s, like a
neurologist (a doctor who specializes in treating the brain and nervous system),
psychiatrist, psychologist,
or geriatrician (a doctor who specializes in treating older people).
You
can also find a specialist through your local Alzheimer’s
Association or Alzheimer’s
Disease Centers.
Why You
Should Make an Appointment Now
The
sooner you know, the better. Starting treatment may help relieve symptoms and
keep you independent longer.
It
also helps you plan better. You can work out living arrangements, make
financial and legal decisions, and build up your support network.
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