Know the Warning Signs: Early Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Do you have concerns about brain health as you age? You’re not alone if you do — a new study shows that a majority of Americans (69%) think at least once a year about their risk of developing brain health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease. The study also revealed that many people, including 36% of adults under age 50, have experienced memory or brain health issues but were too afraid to seek help.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a general term for an impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with one’s daily life. It is a progressive disease, beginning with mild symptoms that worsen over a number of years. The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s is age — at least 90% of cases occur to people aged 65 or older. Having a relative with Alzheimer’s also increases one’s risk, and so do certain lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, misuse of alcohol, or smoking.

Let’s take a look at some of the common early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and learn how to take action if you notice them in yourself or a loved one.

Warning Sign #1: Memory Loss

Our brains change as we age, and mild amounts of forgetfulness are normal for people entering the later decades of life. Occasionally forgetting to pay a bill or struggling to remember something that happened years ago are not necessarily cause for concern. However, memory loss that is more frequent or severe is one of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

How do you tell if a memory lapse is normal or not? According to the National Institute on Aging, if the problem begins to impact your daily life, it’s time to talk to a doctor. Forgetting recently learned information, asking the same questions over and over, or losing track of the date or time of year are all examples of early Alzheimer’s symptoms. Other signs include:

• Getting lost in places you used to know well
• Having trouble following recipes or directions
• Becoming more confused about time, people, and places
• Increased reliance on memory aids (reminder notes, electronic devices, etc.)
• Not taking care of yourself — eating poorly, not bathing, or behaving unsafely

Warning Sign #2: Visual and Spatial Challenges

Since dementia causes damage to the brain, and the brain is where information from all of the senses (sight, sound, etc.) is processed, some people with Alzheimer’s disease experience changes in how they perceive the world around them. These changes can range from slight misperceptions to hallucinations, and can occur even at the beginning of the disease.

In fact, spatial awareness can be one of the first cognitive areas impaired by Alzheimer’s. Spatial disorientation can cause issues with depth perception, making it difficult to walk downstairs or step into a bathtub. It can also impair one’s sense of navigation, causing them to forget directions, get lost in a familiar environment or have difficulty driving or even parking a car.

The Alzheimer’s Society defines five different changes in perception that may occur with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia: misperception, misidentification, hallucinations, delusions, and time-shifting.

• Misperceptions happen when a person sees one thing as something else. For example, mistaking a black rug for a hole in the ground.
• Misidentifications happen when a person has problems identifying specific objects and people. For example, mistaking a child for a spouse.
• Hallucinations cause a person to see, hear or even taste things that aren't there. For example, hearing voices, smelling smoke, or getting a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Delusions are strongly held false beliefs, which can also take the form of paranoia. For example, believing a loved one is stealing from you or trying to cause you harm.
• Time-shifting is when a person believes they are living at an earlier time in their life. For example, thinking that a dead relative or friend is still alive.

Warning Sign #3: Changes in Mood or Personality

Various personality changes can also be symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Confusion, suspicion, depression and anxiety are common feelings brought on by dementia, as are restlessness and agitation. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may become easily upset in environments that they normally would not — some may become agitated at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.

In some cases, Alzheimer’s disease may cause a person to be angry and aggressive, either physically or verbally. ​​Aggression can happen suddenly, with no apparent reason, or as a result of a frustrating situation.

Changes in mood or personality may also cause a person with Alzheimer’s disease to withdraw from work or usual social activities. An avid sports fan who begins finding it hard to follow their favorite team, or a regular at church who begins missing weekly services are causes for concern.

Taking Action Early

These three warning signs are common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, but they are not the only ones. The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia for families to review.

If you notice one or more signs in yourself or another person, it is important to voice your concerns and have them evaluated by a doctor. Early detection provides families with access to treatment options and medical trials, time to plan for the future, and even long-term cost savings.

Neurology Services Available in the North Country

Northern New York residents do not have to look far for diagnosis, treatment and support of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The specialists at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s neurology clinic are trained in disorders of the brain and nervous system and have guided numerous local families through the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease.

Led by Robert DiGiacco, DO, a board-certified and fellowship-trained neurologist, Claxton-Hepburn Neurology, Claxton-Hepburn Neurology is accepting new patients and can be reached at 315-713-6618. Patients can also request an appointment online by clicking here.