Alzheimers Research UK explain 'what is dementia?'
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There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but an early diagnosis provides the opportunity for the person affected to get their affairs into order, including deciding on the care they would like to receive. Growing agitation can be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the National Institute on Ageing (NIA). What are the three main signs you could be affected by the brain condition?
Memory loss
Memory loss is one of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
It usually includes forgetting things that you’ve recently been told or seen, including dates or new names.
While it’s not uncommon to forget names or new information as you get older, those without dementia tend to remember them later, it said.
“Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or other dementia,” said the organisation.
“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 for the same information over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids [reminder notes or electronic devices], or family members for things they used to handle on their own.”
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Confusion
As we get older, it’s not unusual to become confused about the day of the week or the time, but we should figure it out later, it said.
“People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time,” added the Alzheimer’s Association.
“They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.”
Difficulty completing everyday tasks
Alzheimer’s disease patients often struggle to complete tasks that they’ve been doing for a long time.
They may forget the route to a destination that they’ve been driving to for a number of years.
Some people could suddenly struggle to manage a budget at work, or the rules to their favourite game.
“Scientists now know that [plaques and tangles develop] many years before symptoms appear,” said the NHS.
Alzheimer’s disease also causes a decrease in the number of neurotransmitters that send signals between brain cells.
One particular neurotransmitter, called acetylcholine, is dramatically decreased in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Over time, different areas of the brain shrink, and the first area usually affected is responsible for memories.
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