Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia seen by individuals in Anguilla, today. All of us known someone who has Alzheimer’s disease and know how it can affect the individual and those taking care of such persons. Many experts are now aware that recognizing and diagnosing the disease in its early stages can be beneficial.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disease which affects multiple brain functions, including memory. In this disorder the symptoms develop gradually and become more severe over the course of several years. It affects multiple brain functions.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, although several things are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition. These include increased age, a family history of the condition, previous severe head injuries and lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease.
Recognizing early symptoms
As many of us get older we often worry if we are getting Alzheimer’s disease, for many of us after the age of 50 tend to have memory lapses – a few memory lapses are normal as we age. It is important to know the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is usually minor memory problems. For example, this could be forgetting about recent conversations or events, and forgetting the names of places and objects.
As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe and further symptoms can develop. For example:
• confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places
• difficulty planning or making decisions
• problems with speech and language
• problems moving around without assistance or performing self-care tasks
• personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others
• daily tasks are a challenge – Even familiar things can become hard. You have trouble driving to a location you go to often. You forget the rules of your favourite game
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are untrue)
• low mood or anxiety
• changes in vision – It harder to read the words on the page. You have trouble judging distance. You have difficulty telling colours apart.
When to see your doctor?
If you notice any of the above symptoms and signs, talk with your doctor. He or she will evaluate your physical and mental health. He or she may also do blood or brain imaging tests and may then refer you to someone who specializes in Alzheimer’s disease. If any family members or friends have these signs and symptoms suggest to them – and encourage them – to see a doctor for evaluation.
Conclusion
Not all memory lapses mean that you have Alzheimer’s disease, but if you have signs and symptoms suggestive of this progressive brain disorder see your doctor today. An early diagnosis can allow you to start treatment to help you relive some of the symptoms and signs of this disorder and keep you independent longer. It also helps you plan better. You can work out living arrangements and make financial and legal decisions before the disease progresses to a severe disorder.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
