![]() In some cases, genetic testing may be appropriate, as the symptoms of dementia can be related to an inherited condition such as Huntington’s disease. neurological function tests, to test their balance, senses, and reflexesĪ number of assessment tools are available to assess cognitive function.cognitive and memory tests, to assess the person’s ability to think and remember.The doctor may also carry out the following tests: If a doctor suspects the presence of the condition, they will ask the person - and sometimes their family or caregivers - about their symptoms, experiences, and medical history. There is no single test for Alzheimer’s disease. To receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, a person will be experiencing memory loss, cognitive decline, or behavioral changes that are affecting their ability to function in their daily life.įriends and family may notice the symptoms of dementia before the person themselves. being unable to leave bed all or most of the time.In severe Alzheimer’s disease, plaques and tangles are present throughout the brain, causing the brain tissue to shrink substantially. difficulty performing tasks with several stages, such as getting dressed.difficulty recognizing friends or family.In moderate Alzheimer’s disease, the parts of the brain responsible for language, senses, reasoning, and consciousness are damaged. experiencing personality and behavior changes, such as getting upset or angry more easily, hiding things, or pacing.difficulty handling money or paying the bills.taking longer than usual to perform daily tasks.People with mild Alzheimer’s disease develop memory problems and cognitive difficulties that may include the following: The sections below will discuss the stages of Alzheimer’s and some of the symptoms that characterize them. The scale ranges from a state of mild impairment, through to moderate impairment, before eventually reaching severe cognitive decline. In 2016, researchers published findings suggesting that a change in the person’s sense of humor might also be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s.Īlzheimer’s disease can range from mild to severe. compulsive, obsessive, or socially inappropriate behavior.a loss of interest in or motivation for activities they usually enjoy.becoming upset, angry, or worried more often than before.Personality or behavior changes: A person may experience changes in personality and behavior that include:.Problems with speaking, reading, or writing: A person may develop difficulties with thinking of common words, or they may make more speech, spelling, or writing errors.Problems with spatial awareness: A person may have difficulty with their balance, trip over, or spill things more often, or they may have difficulty orienting clothing to their body when getting dressed.These issues are not due to problems with eyesight. Problems with recognition: A person may become less able to recognize faces or objects or less able to use basic tools.difficulty completing tasks that have several stages, such as getting dressed.a reduced understanding of safety and risks.Cognitive deficits: A person may experience difficulty with reasoning, complex tasks, and judgment.forgetting about events or appointments.Memory loss: A person may have difficulty taking in new information and remembering information.If they develop over hours or days, a person may require medical attention, as this could indicate a stroke. The symptoms appear gradually, over months or years. Memory loss is a key feature, and this tends to be one of the first symptoms to develop. However, other recent estimates suggest that it may be the third leading cause of death, just behind heart disease and cancer.Īlzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning that the symptoms get worse over time. Eventually, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may need full-time assistance.Īccording to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. These features mean that information cannot pass easily between different areas of the brain or between the brain and the muscles or organs.Īs the symptoms worsen, it becomes harder for people to remember recent events, to reason, and to recognize people they know. Another feature is a loss of connection between the nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain. One of the main features of the condition is the presence of plaques and tangles in the brain. Alois Alzheimer, who first described the condition in 1906.Ĭommon symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, language problems, and impulsive or unpredictable behavior. The symptoms are mild at first and become more severe over time. Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects the brain.
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