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Alzheimer's Information
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Background
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by progressive decline in memory and other cognitive domains, including language, executive function, visuospatial abilities, and behavior.
AD is a major public health concern. In the United States, more than 7 million people are living with AD, and prevalence is projected to increase substantially with population aging. AD is among the leading causes of death in older adults and is associated with substantial caregiver burden, disability, institutionalization, and healthcare expenditures. [4]
Key Points
AD = most common dementia; progressive decline in memory, language, executive, visuospatial, behavior.
Strongest risk factor = age; others include APOE ε4, vascular/metabolic factors, TBI, depression, hearing loss.
Most AD is sporadic late-onset; <5% autosomal-dominant early-onset due to APP, PSEN1, PSEN2. Pathology: extracellular β-amyloid plaques + intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau NFTs; tau burden tracks severity. AD causes major morbidity/mortality; progressive loss of ADLs, neuropsychiatric sx, falls, dysphagia, infections.
Most AD is sporadic late-onset; <5% autosomal-dominant early-onset due to APP, PSEN1, PSEN2. Pathology: extracellular β-amyloid plaques + intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau NFTs; tau burden tracks severity. AD causes major morbidity/mortality; progressive loss of ADLs, neuropsychiatric sx, falls, dysphagia, infections.
10 Signs of Early Stage
Age Related Changes
1 - Memory loss that disrupts daily life
One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.
2 - Challenges in planning or solving problems
Some people living with changes in their memory due to Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
What's a typical age-related change?
Making occasional errors when managing finances or household bills.
3 - Difficulty completing familiar tasks
People living with memory changes from Alzheimer's or other dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
What's a typical age-related change?
Occasionally needing help to use microwave settings or to record a TV show.
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4 -Confusion with time or place
People living with Alzheimer's or other dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
What's a typical age-related change?
Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.
5 - Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
Some people living with Alzheimer's or other dementia could experience vision changes. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.
What's a typical age-related change?
Vision changes related to cataracts.
6 - New problems with words in speaking or writing
People living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.
7 - Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
A person living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. He or she may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
What's a typical age-related change?
Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.
8 - Decreased or poor judgment
Individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
What's a typical age-related change?
Making a bad decision or mistake once in a while, like neglecting to change the oil in the car.
9 - Withdrawal from work or social activities
A person living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, they may withdraw from hobbies, social activities or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.
What's a typical age-related change?
Sometimes feeling uninterested in family or social obligations.
10 - Changes in mood and personality
Individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia may experience mood and personality changes. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends or when out of their comfort zone.
Signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia Typical Age-Related Changes
Poor judgment and decision-making Making a bad decision once in a while
Inability to manage a budget Missing a monthly payment
Losing track of the date or the season Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later
Difficulty having a conversation Sometimes forgetting which word to use
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them Losing things from time to time
What to do if you notice these signs
If you notice any of the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's in yourself or someone you know, don't ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.
With early detection, you can explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help you maintain a level of independence longer.
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