Alzheimer's Disease can be difficult to recognize in its early stages. Early diagnosis along with early treatment can improve quality of life.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: One Month
Here's How:
- Persistent loss of recent memory, such as forgetting where you put the keys.
- Difficulty performing everday tasks, such as tying shoes or buttoning clothes.
- Persistent difficulty with language -- for example, being unable to find the right word.
- Time and place disorientation -- for example, forgetting where the bathroom is in your own home.
- Loss of judgment and inappropriate behavior -- for example, answering the door naked.
- Problems with abstract thinking -- for example, an accountant who can no longer add 2 + 2.
- Misplacing things -- for example, putting your keys in the freezer.
- Rapid mood changes for no apparent reason.
- Radical change in personality, paranoia or fearfulness.
- Loss of initiative and becoming suddenly very passive or lethargic.
Tips:
- The onset of Alzheimer's is very gradual.
- There is no cure yet for Alzheimer's.
- Seniors, those with a family history and people with Down's Syndrome are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's.
