Health

13 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s You Shouldn’t Ignore

Difficulty Navigating Familiar Places An inability to navigate in familiar places can be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease can affect the individual’s… Austin Alan - April 29, 2023
Credit: AARP

Difficulty Navigating Familiar Places

An inability to navigate in familiar places can be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The disease can affect the individual’s spatial awareness and ability to recognize familiar landmarks. They may become disoriented or lost in places they have known for years, such as their own neighborhood or workplace. They may also have trouble following directions or remembering how to get to familiar destinations. If you notice a loved one experiencing difficulty navigating in familiar places, it may be time to seek medical advice.

It’s important to note that difficulty navigating alone is not enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, but it can be an early warning sign. There are many other factors that can affect spatial awareness and memory, including vision problems, stress, and medication side effects. If you notice a loved one experiencing difficulty navigating, it’s important to seek medical advice. A medical professional can perform tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs to be addressed. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in managing symptoms and improving quality of life

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Difficulty With Coordination

Loss of coordination or fine motor skills is commonly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The disease can affect the individual’s ability to perform physical activities that require coordination, such as walking, writing, or buttoning a shirt. They may stumble or lose their balance more frequently, or they may have trouble manipulating objects with their hands. These changes can be subtle at first, but they can become more pronounced as the disease progresses. If you notice a loved one experiencing difficulty with coordination, it may be time to seek medical advice.

It’s essential to keep in mind that struggling with coordination does not necessarily imply that a person has Alzheimer’s disease, but it may be an early warning sign of other medical conditions. Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and medication side effects are among the numerous factors that may impact a person’s coordination. Thus, if you observe your loved one having trouble with coordination, it’s important to seek medical advice. A qualified medical professional can assess their symptoms and conduct tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that requires attention. Early detection and treatment can play a significant role in managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life of individuals.

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Changes In Personality

Alzheimer’s disease can also cause a drastic change of personality. Individuals may exhibit sudden mood swings, become easily agitated or irritable, or become socially withdrawn. They may also experience a loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, and their overall mood may become more apathetic. These changes can be distressing for loved ones and can have a significant impact on the individual’s quality of life. If you notice a loved one experiencing changes in personality, it may be time to seek medical advice.

It’s worth emphasizing that alterations in personality do not necessarily mean that someone has Alzheimer’s disease, but they can be an early indicator of other medical issues. Depression, medication side effects, and stress are among the numerous factors that can influence a person’s personality. Therefore, if you observe changes in a loved one’s personality, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can evaluate their symptoms and conduct tests to determine if there is an underlying medical condition that needs attention. Detecting and treating medical issues early can have a significant impact on symptom management and improving a person’s quality of life.

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Difficulty With Spatial Awareness

Difficulty with spatial awareness can be a dangerous sign of Alzheimer’s. Individuals may struggle to navigate familiar environments, misjudge distances, or become disoriented easily. They may also have difficulty with tasks that require spatial awareness, such as parking a car or following directions. These changes can be subtle at first, but they can become more pronounced as the disease progresses. If you notice a loved one experiencing difficulty with spatial awareness, it may be time to seek medical advice.

It’s critical to understand that struggling with spatial awareness does not necessarily indicate Alzheimer’s disease, but it can be a possible warning sign of other medical conditions. Vision problems, inner ear issues, and medication side effects are among the many factors that can impact a person’s spatial awareness. Therefore, if you observe a loved one experiencing difficulty with spatial awareness, it’s essential to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can assess their symptoms and conduct tests to identify any underlying medical condition that requires attention. Early detection and treatment can play a vital role in symptom management and improving a person’s quality of life.

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Sleep Disturbances

Changes in sleep patterns can be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals may experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than usual. They may also experience increased daytime sleepiness or a change in sleep quality. These changes in sleep patterns can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s important to note that changes in sleep patterns alone are not enough to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, but they can be a red flag for further investigation.

If you notice changes in your loved one’s sleep patterns, it’s important to discuss them with a medical professional. Your doctor can evaluate their symptoms and perform tests to treat them accordingly. They may also recommend changes to your loved one’s sleep habits or prescribe medication to improve sleep quality. A person with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers should be able to detect and treat sleep disturbances early on so that their quality of life can be improved

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