Early signs of Alzheimers
Very early signs and symptoms
One of the early signs of Alzheimers disease is suffering from memory problems. Some people with memory problems have a condition called amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). People with this condition have more memory problems than normal for people their age, but their symptoms are not as severe as those with Alzheimer’s. More people with MCI, compared with those without MCI, go on to develop Alzheimer’s. Recent research has found links between some movement difficulties and MCI. Researchers also have seen links between some problems with the sense of smell and cognitive problems. Such findings offer hope that some day we may have tools that could help detect Alzheimer’s early, track the course of the disease, and monitor response to treatments.
Eye test
Another hopeful development on discovering early signs of Alzheimers is through a simple eye test that soon could help diagnose this disease, Parkinson's and Huntington's Your eyes may be the windows to the soul, but they also make pretty good peepholes into the brain. Thanks to an optical version of ultrasound, it is becoming possible to locate and monitor the growth of brain tumours, and to track neurodegenerative conditions like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease - all by peering into the eye. ”The brain is connected to each eye by an optic nerve, so any degeneration of the brain caused by such diseases can also damage cells along the nerve and in the retina”, says Helen Danesh-Meyer, an eye surgeon and neuro-ophthalmologist at the University of Auckland Medical School in New Zealand. Indeed, a loss of visual function is one of the first symptoms in many people with a neurodegenerative condition.
Bio-barcode assay test
A new test called a bio-barcode assay, which may be able to identify a certain protein in spinal fluid associated with the disease, is being studied to determine its usefulness in the diagnosing of early signs of Alzheimers. Hopefully this will prove to be a key tool in diagnosis and treatment in the near future. Until then, being aware of the early symptoms of Alzheimer's is the best way to catch it in its early stages.
Recognizing
early signs of Alzheimers
There are six physical categories to monitor for the early signs of Alzheimers To avoid misunderstanding between simple acts of forgetfulness and Alzheimers it is important to monitor these six categorical early signs of Alzheimer's. The increased awareness of family members and being able to detect early warning signs will allow for a timely diagnosis and treatment of their loved ones. Memory
One of the early signs of Alzheimers is forgetfulness. The destruction of brain cells results in the loss of memory. These memory lapses or loss could be the names of people and places or the inability to find the right words to express themselves. In addition early signs of Alzheimer's may include the forgetting the whereabouts of routinely used items. Additionally early signs of Alzheimer's could include the storing of items in inappropriate places (glasses in the freezer or rings in the sugar bowl). Mental health
Another characteristic in the early signs of Alzheimer's is depression. This is certainly a good indicator of this disease when coupled with the other early signs of Alzheimer's. Senses
The sense of smell and the inability to distinguish between odors may be demonstrated. Also, an early sign of hearing loss may be evident as indicated through the loudness of the television, avoiding phone calls and not entering into conversations. Finally, the sense of sight may be affected as revealed through the individual's inability to recall images or their inability to follow visual instructions or directions Mood
Extreme mood changes can be an indicator of the early signs of Alzheimers. These changes are for an indistinct reason and can range from the extreme of being rational to irrational or to complete aggression. Behavior
Early signs of Alzheimer's may be demonstrated in outward actions such as the inappropriateness of dress. This inappropriateness may be demonstrated through the wearing of only one set of clothing (week after week) or of winter clothing during the hot summer months or vice versa. Logical thinking
Early signs of Alzheimer's may also include the individual's helplessness to think clearly. This difficulty may be demonstrated in their inability to perform mathematical functions or other abstract thinking processes.
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Early signs of Alzheimers, Alzheimers diagnosis
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