Today, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s is higher than ever, as advances in biotechnology and medical research have increased the longevity of the human body. With over 20 million Americans suffering from this anguishing form of dementia, it has received much recognition in both the medical and social world. With symptoms beginning at the higher risk senior citizens, 55-65, the disease symptoms and problems become exponentially worse as the patient ages. Let’s look at the different stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and focus on the early stage with the first onset of symptoms.
Patients reaching these prime ages for Alzheimer’s complain about similar types and themes of symptoms. First off, the patient may seem more irritable and uncomfortable in his or her surroundings. This may be a rare occasional onset, and may last only minutes, but rest assured that these are the main early symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Progression off this may lead to increased confusion, more consistently, and override rational decision making. Still at the early stages, patients progressing may complain about problems formulating proper words or speaking ideas. This will also involve math problems, decision making processes for abstract situations, as well as loss of stream of consciousness and thought.
Patients who are suffering from early stages of Alzheimer’s may also have noticeable differences in their attitudes about things they once enjoyed, as well as changes in personality. This becomes more and more evident with the progression of the disease. Patients may seem apathetic and depressed about activities or thoughts that once made them happy and content. They may also begin to stumble during words and forget places and people that they had a vague recollection of. Again, it is important to note that at the early stages, occurrences such as these are rare and may happen infrequently, but without proper basis or explanation. Progression to medium stages will disable the patient further, where more and more faces, places, and events will be forgotten to a greater degree.
Finally towards the end of the early stages of Alzheimer’s, symptoms may become evident in the personality of the patient suffering from the disease. The patient may be noticeably different in his personality, gaining new and weird behaviors, or quirks, as well as behaving in a manner that is not quite like his usual self. They may lose sense of etiquette or may further speak or act inappropriately, with this renewed lack of judgment.
As the early stages of Alzheimer’s, it is important to make a checklist and record differences in activity and behavior. If one notices the patient in a more aloof and gloomy mood, reflective versus participatory in their activities (and over the age of 60) then it may be symptomatic of Alzheimer’s. Again, remain confident and supportive of the patient as a strong and close-knit friendship/social circle is of utmost important for the patient’s slowing of progression. Keep a journal to remind the patient of new and exciting activities and keep him in active and engaging conversation to let the patient know you are there to help them. It is also key for the supporter to accept the changes in behavior and understand that paranoia, hiding, and irrational behavior are part of the suffering for both family as well as patient.