Courtesy of Weinberg Campus

Alzheimer’s disease is an insidious illness that slowly robs individuals of their memories, personalities and relationships. It is a progressive neurological disorder that causes brain atrophy and cell death, which contributes to continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills. This eventually affects a person’s ability to live independently.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which the Alzheimer’s Association says affects about 6.9 million Americans ages 65 and older. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, there are strategies that can help mitigate symptoms. Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the medication memantine can be prescribed for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s to decrease symptoms.

Recognizing these dementia symptoms early can help millions take proactive steps to improve quality of life.

  • Personality changes. Individuals may display subtle differences in their personalities, including mood swings or a reluctant to interact with others.
  • Difficulty with familiar routes. A person with dementia may have difficulty driving familiar routes or getting home.
  • Trouble finding the right words. Individuals may have difficulty finding the right words to identify thoughts or objects.
  • Disorientation with time. Alzheimer’s patients may show confusion regarding time, day, or tasks associated with different times.
  • Decreased or poor judgement. Alzheimer’s patients consistently make poor decisions and may start paying less attention to their physical appearance.
  • Difficulty following a plan. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may have challenges solving problems with numbers, following a recipe, or with keeping track of finances.

Early signs of dementia may be confused as normal age-related changes. However, when such signs present themselves, it is critical to speak with medical professionals to get a clear diagnosis.

Learn about memory care at Weinberg at weinbergcampus.org, or call 716-633-3309.