Alzheimer’s early warning signs and symptoms come in many different forms, and while some of them are easily recognizable, others can slip by unnoticed if you are not careful. Unfortunately, there is no set pattern of symptoms to follow which will tell you how far along you are, or whether or not you have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Nevertheless, there are a few early symptoms that are associated with the disease. The most important thing to remember as you follow along with these warning signs is that it is crucial to speak to a physician as soon as you possibly can if you notice these symptoms. Your doctor will have a much better chance of treating you if you see him or her as early as you can.
1.) Taste And Scent Changes
One of the rare but disconcerting early signs of Alzheimer’s is the changes experienced with regards to smell and taste. Many dementia patients find that their taste buds begin to change as the disease sets in, and this can be incredibly difficult for caretakers and nurses as patients lose the taste for foods that they once loved and may stop eating altogether. Nutrition is a vitally important part of treating and preventing the disease, so not eating healthy meals and getting all of the vitamins and nutrients that are required on a daily basis can lead to terrible repercussions. Patients also have noted that they are unable to smell like they used to or that the sense of scent disappears entirely.
2.) Personality Changes
Another one of Alzheimer’s early warning signs and symptoms is personality change, and this can be highly upsetting to those who are close to the patient. Sometimes this can involve mood swings, during which the patient will become aggravated easily, sad, depressed, or just act differently around family and friends.
3.) Anti-Social Behavior
Many times the above mentioned personality changes can lead to withdrawal from society. Many Alzheimer’s patients have reported feeling anxious or scared about speaking to others, joining large crowds, or being active in activities that they once loved. Sometimes this is because they can no longer act the way they used to, and at other times it is because the personality changes have caused them to no longer love these activities or the people involved.
4.) Memory Loss
Perhaps the most common of all Alzheimer’s early warning signs and symptoms is the memory loss. In the early stages this is mild and may go unnoticed as a natural sign of aging, but it will become increasingly worse over time and can affect life at work, at home, and during leisure time. Short term memories are usually the first to go, but long term will follow.
5.) Inability To Plan
Once the memory begins to decline, many patients suffering from Alzheimer’s will also have trouble making plans. They may forget special engagements, be unable to commit to events, or will just find themselves too distracted or anxious to make plans at all.
6.) Loss of Productivity
Whether at home or at work, Alzheimer’s patients will find that they are no longer as productive as they used to be. They may lose focus, or feel uninterested in television, books, special skills that they once had, or seeing family and friends. They may stop working all together and quit their jobs and other extracurricular activities.
7.) No Problem Solving
It can be extremely difficult for those suffering from Alzheimer’s to problem solve effectively. Something simple can become very difficult and they may get frustrated or quit on tasks that would seem easy in the past.
