More than 2 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease, a fatal brain disease which causes a slow deterioration of the brain functions. It's the most common cause of dementia. Today, symptoms of Alzheimers are found in 5 percent of the population between ages of 65 and 74. As we age, that percentage increases. About 50 percent of Americans over 85 show signs of Alzheimer's disease. But when does simple forgetfulness transition into this devastating disease. Here are a few signs.
Small changes
The earliest signs of Alzheimer's may be so subtle they may be difficult to recognize. Often, a relative or close friend first becomes aware of a certain lack of initiative, forgetfulness and irritability on the part of the affected person.
Most characteristic of this dementia is the gradual loss of memory, especially for recent events. The person may not remember what happened a few hours or even moments earlier, though he or she can recall what happened many years ago.
Over time, the person's powers of reasoning and understanding diminish and they may lose interest in all familiar pursuits.
Emotional Instability
Alzheimer's often leads to emotional instability. Many people swing between apathy and aggression, tears and laughter at the slightest provocation. It's not uncommon for patients to display odd, unpredictable behavior along with uninhibited and antisocial actions. Table manners may deteriorate, personal hygiene might be neglected. In some cases, patients can become violent toward friends, family members and caregivers.
Physical Symptoms of Alzheimers
As the functions of the brain begin to deteriorate, Alzheimer's patients may start to experience some physical problems as well. They may be unable to coordinate muscles and movements, making simple tasks like walking, more difficult. Increasing stiffness in the muscles may also restrict movement.
General Confusion
In the early stages of Alzheimer's, patients may experience problems with vision and space perception. Sufferers may have problems putting the correct word to an object. They can experience difficulty completing what was once an easy or familiar task. They may find it difficult to express themselves, forgetting words when writing or speaking.
Withdrawing from life
The onset of Alzheimer's can be a very difficult time in the lives of sufferers. They may be aware of the slow deterioration of their mental abilities. This may cause them to withdraw even farther from friends, family and activities they formerly enjoyed. Depression can often appear alongside Alzheimer's symptoms.
Late Stage Alzheimers
In advanced states of Alzheimer's Disease, patients will experience stiffness of the muscles, with slow and awkward movements. Eventually, Alzheimer's causes a complete disappearance of the personality as the patient loses the ability to understand the world around him, to think or to speak. It may become impossible for patients to do simple functions such as eat, stand or control the bladder or bowel.
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