Symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition. Its progression depends on which areas of the brain are affected. Symptoms therefore vary greatly from one person to another.
Despite popular belief, Alzheimer’s disease is not limited to memory loss, even though the hippocampus, the seat of memory, is the first area to be affected.
Alzheimer’s disease can be accompanied by cognitive, behavioral, or psychological symptoms, such as:
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Memory loss that interferes with the person's daily activities:
The most common and often the first symptom is memory loss. At the onset of the disease, memory problems relating to recent events appear and gradually worsen. These problems should not be confused with mild or occasional forgetfulness. -
Difficulties in performing familiar tasks:
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty performing familiar tasks that they have done all their life, such as preparing a meal or using household appliances. -
Language problems:
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may forget simple words or substitute words that make their sentences difficult to understand. They may also use an incorrect word that sounds similar to the correct word (for example, lion instead of violin). -
Loss of orientation (time and space):
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become lost on their own street, not knowing how they got there or how to get home. They may also have difficulty naming the current date. -
Impaired judgement:
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have impaired judgement and, for example, fail to recognise a health problem that needs to be treated or wear warm clothing in the middle of summer. -
Difficulties in performing an abstract task:
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty performing certain abstract tasks, such as understanding the figures in their cheque book or on a tax form, or planning a trip. -
Misplaced objects:
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put objects in inappropriate places. -
Mood or behaviour changes:
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may experience rapid mood swings. For example, they may go from being calm to crying or angry for no apparent reason. -
Changes in personality:
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become confused, withdrawn and distrustful. Other possible changes include apathy, fear and unusual behaviour. -
Loss of interest:
A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very passive and may need a lot of encouragement to take part in activities. -
Other symptoms
Here are some signs of behavioural and psychological disorders that may also be observed:
> Antisocial behaviour (e.g. the subject is apathetic, sits around doing nothing, remains indifferent, shows little interest in others, cuts off contact with friends, gives up leisure activities).
> Appearance of excessive familiarity
> Sadness
> Noisy behaviour
> Emotional instability
> Euphoria, boundless energy
> Irritability or even verbal and physical aggression
> Episodes of depression and anxiety
> Social disinhibition
> Insomnia
> Suspicion
> Paranoia
> Fearful behaviour
> Visual and auditory hallucinations (rare)
> Wandering
> Slowed movement
Here is a brochure on the 10 signs of the disease, explained with images.