Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterised by the gradual degeneration of brain cells. It leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioural changes, significantly impacting daily functioning and quality of life. The disease begins with mild symptoms, such as forgetfulness and confusion, and progresses to severe stages where individuals may lose the ability to communicate, recognise loved ones, and perform basic tasks. The exact cause is unknown, but it involves the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and currently has no cure, says Vinayak Hospital neurologist Dr Sanjay Rao. However, early intervention can alleviate the situation, and for that, one needs to understand the symptoms, he explains.
Memory loss: Persistent forgetfulness that disrupts daily life, like misremembering recent conversations or appointments. This loss is more pronounced than typical age-related forgetfulness and often impacts a person’s ability to retain new information, affecting their daily routines and interactions.
Difficulty performing familiar tasks: Struggling with routine activities previously done effortlessly, such as preparing meals, managing finances, or following a familiar recipe. This difficulty arises from cognitive decline, making it challenging to carry out tasks that once required minimal thought.
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Disorientation: Experiencing confusion about time, dates, and locations. This includes losing track of the current day or month and disorientation about one’s surroundings, which can lead to getting lost in familiar places or becoming confused about their current situation.
Communication problems: Finding it hard to follow or join conversations, forgetting words, or repeating oneself. These communication issues disrupt interactions and can lead to frustration, making it difficult to effectively express thoughts or understand others.
Judgement and decision-making issues: Exhibiting poor judgement or making uncharacteristic decisions, such as mishandling finances or neglecting personal grooming. This sign reflects a decline in executive functioning and decision-making abilities, impacting daily choices and personal responsibilities.
Difficulty with visual and spatial relationships: Struggling with spatial awareness and visual interpretation, such as judging distances, navigating familiar routes, or recognising faces. These difficulties can affect driving skills and spatial orientation, making everyday navigation challenging.
Misplacing things: Frequently losing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them leads to misplaced objects in unusual places. This behaviour often results in frustration and confusion and may lead to unfounded accusations of theft.
Changes in mood and personality: Noticeable shifts in mood or personality, such as increased anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal from social interactions. These changes can affect relationships and social engagement, reflecting underlying cognitive and emotional shifts associated with Alzheimer's.
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