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- By Iram Hussain
- Sun, 13 Oct 2024 05:20 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to the degeneration of brain cells, affecting memory, thinking and behaviour. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, dementia prevalence for adults aged 60+ in India stands at 7.4%, with an estimated 8.8 million Indians older than 60 years living with dementia. Recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer's can help in managing the disease more effectively.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr (Lt Gen) CS Narayanan, VSM***Chairman, Manipal Institute of Neurosciences, Manipal Hospital Dwarka listed five early signs of Alzheimer's disease that one should not ignore.
Early Signs Of Alzheimer's Disease
Memory loss
Memory loss is one of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and persistent memory issues are a cause for concern. Individuals with Alzheimer's may repeat questions or statements, forget conversations and appointments, misplace objects in unusual locations or get lost in familiar places. Affected persons might struggle to recall the names of close family members or common objects, which can cause significant emotional distress.
Difficulty In Thinking And Reasoning
Alzheimer’s makes it difficult for individuals to concentrate or think clearly, especially regarding abstract concepts like numbers. This impairment can affect basic tasks like paying bills, managing finances or performing multi-step activities. Over time, the ability to understand and work with numbers may be completely lost.
Making Judgments And Decisions
As Alzheimer’s progresses, a person’s ability to make sound judgments and decisions deteriorates. They may dress inappropriately for the weather, make irrational decisions in social settings or fail to respond effectively to emergencies such as forgetting to turn off the stove or reacting poorly to road conditions while driving.
Warning signs of Alzheimer's disease (Image Credits: Canva)
Planning And Performing Familiar Tasks
Routine tasks that were once easy such as cooking or playing a game, become difficult. Alzheimer's affects the brain’s ability to follow sequential steps, making it hard to complete multi-step tasks. Eventually, individuals may even forget how to perform basic self-care activities like dressing or bathing.
Changes In Personality And Behaviour
As Alzheimer's progresses, it can lead to dramatic changes in personality and behaviour. Affected individuals may become withdrawn, depressed or agitated. Mood swings, distrust in caregivers and confusion about familiar surroundings can lead to frustration. In more advanced stages, people with Alzheimer's may experience delusions or wander aimlessly, creating safety concerns.
