Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, affecting nearly seven million Americans. Even with so many affected, the condition can be hard to identify early on, because symptoms are often subtle.
At his eponymous practice in Arcadia, California, board-certified neurologist Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating dementia and Alzheimer’s. In this blog, we highlight five early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and explain what to do if you or a loved one develop these symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. It’s also characterized by clumps of beta amyloid protein within the brain, and neurofibrillary tangles, bundles of twisted filaments within neurons. These tangles are primarily composed of a protein called tau.
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that affects adults from all backgrounds but is most common in people 65 and older. Although there’s no cure, prescription medications can help slow its progression and improve quality of life.
Considering the wide-ranging effects Alzheimer’s can have on your health and life, knowing how to identify the signs early is crucial. While the condition affects everyone differently, here are five telltale signs to watch out for:
If you forget to take your medication or can’t remember where you left your keys, it’s normal to worry about Alzheimer’s, but the memory loss the disease causes is severe and disrupts your entire routine.
Minor brain farts are nothing to be concerned about, but if you struggle to remember important dates, like your birthday or anniversary, or you increasingly need to rely on memory aids, like notes or email reminders, consider seeing a neurologist.
Aging affects everyone’s brain function, so it’s normal to have difficulty trying new things or using electronic devices, like computers or tablets, as you get older. However, if you have trouble with routine tasks, like remembering how to get to the hair salon, or creating a to-do list, you may have a more serious neurological issue.
Cataracts are a common vision-related side effect of aging, causing the clear lens of the eye to become cloudy. Alzheimer’s also presents vision changes. For instance, you might have difficulty reading or experience trouble identifying the colors on a stoplight. Any vision impairments that interfere with your driving ability are cause for concern.
Everyone has trouble finding the right word occasionally, but if you or a loved one find it challenging to follow conversations or often lose your train of thought, a neurological condition may be to blame. The same rule applies if you often repeat yourself or call objects by the wrong names.
Alzheimer’s slowly affects the areas of the brain responsible for making decisions. As a result, many people in the early stages of the disease start doing things or making decisions that are out of character. This includes not paying monthly bills, dressing inappropriately for the weather, and forgetting to bathe and shower.
If you or a loved one experiences any of the issues above, don’t wait to seek treatment from a board-certified neurologist like Dr. Wogenson. As an expert in neurodegenerative dementias and Alzheimer’s, he knows how to differentiate between natural, age-related brain changes and neurodegenerative conditions.
The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can explore medication options and plan for your future. To schedule an appointment with Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, call or book an appointment online.
