Are you becoming forgetful? Are you having what is commonly referred to as senior moments? Are you wondering are these the first stages of Alzheimer’s disease? Although memory problems can be a sign of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, that is not always the case. There are other symptoms to the onset of early Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease deals with an individual’s loss of the ability to recall things and engage in reasoning related to the recollection of ideas and facts stored in his or her memory. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Dementia creates memory issues which interfere with many of life’s daily activities.
Alzheimer’s Disease Affects the Brain
Alzheimer’s disease affects the brain. It damages brain cells and over time has more and more significant effects on the individual’s ability to think, reason and remember things. Alzheimer’s disease is incurable.
Alzheimer’s disease is a disease of the aging. It generally affects senior citizens. In its early stages, Alzheimer’s disease simply causes memory loss. In its latter stages, Alzheimer’s disease can cause death.
Difficulties Functioning
Losing things and inability to manage simple tasks are some of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease can be prone to mishandling their finances and/or being inattentive to their personal hygiene needs.
Confusion
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are often easily confused. They get lost easily. In some cases, it creates major personality changes and it causes the individual to become frustrated and violent.
What To Do If You Suspect You Have Alzheimer’s Disease
The easy answer to the question is to see a doctor. However, not all doctors deal with Alzheimer’s disease. You should speak to your family physician, or research which type of doctor has extensive experience in dealing with patients who have Alzheimer’s disease. Although Alzheimer’s disease is incurable, there are treatments to slow the onset of the disease. These treatments may help memory functions and allow the individual afflicted with the disease to live a normal life for years to come.
Elliot Schlissel is an elder care attorney. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He helps his clients with regard to estate issues, probating of wills, drafting of wills, and dealing with Medicaid eligibility issues. He is available for free consultations.
