Alzheimer's patients experience an array of symptoms that may
go unnoticed at first, but gradually become more of a concern as patients show
an increase in the confusion and forgetfulness that are hallmarks of the
disorder. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, and knowing its
early symptoms can help patients and loved ones find early treatment. There is
no test for Alzheimer's, but there are ten warning signs that can help you
decide whether a visit to a neurologist is necessary. Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatment
is available and research continues to make strides in understanding this
complex neurological disorder.
Alzheimer's 10 warning
signs helpful patient tool
Alzheimer's is not a normal sign of aging, though most
patients it affects are age 65 and older. Diagnosed by neurologists,Alzheimer's
disease is a type of dementia which causes problems with memory, thinking and
behavior. It is progressive and the stages of Alzheimer's develop slowly.
Sometimes it is difficult to know whether forgetting your car keys, or that
feeling of wanting to say something that is right on the tip of your tongue but
you just cannot remember the word, is typical or something to be concerned
about. The Alzheimer's Association has 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's symptoms,
to help alleviate anxiety, or raise a red flag is necessary. If you or someone
you love is experiencing neurology symptoms that include memory that disrupts
daily life; challenges in planning or solving problems; difficulty completing
familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure; confusion with time or place;
trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships; new problems with
words in speaking or writing; misplacing things and losing the ability to
retrace steps; decreased or poor judgment; withdrawal from work or social
activities; or changes in mood or personality, make a call to the Huntersville
NC specialists at NorthEast Neurology for an assessment to see if these
symptoms may indicate a diagnosis of Alzheimer's.
Can Alzheimer's be
prevented?
Alzheimer's currently has no cure but its prevention is
something researchers continue to explore. Neurologists treat symptoms of
Alzheimer's with a variety of strategies, and there are some medications that
show promise in treating early symptoms. Still, patients want to know what they
can do to prevent symptoms from occurring, and research does point to some
interesting strategies. There is no preventive drug on the market now for
Alzheimer's disease, but research is ongoing and making strides. Researchers
know that the risk of Alzheimer's symptoms and dementia increases as a result of
many conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood
pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Controlling
cardiovascular risk factors may also protect brain health. Regular physical
exercise may also be a factor in lowering the risk of Alzheimer's. Heart healthy
eating patterns, such as a Mediterranean diet that emphasizes nuts, whole
grains, olive oil, fish and shellfish, fruits and vegetables, as well as limits
red meats, may stave off Alzheimer's and other dementia symptoms. Getting out
and socializing with friends and family is also another exciting find among
Alzheimer's researchers. One of the newest and strongest links discovered is
between head trauma and the development of Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's has no cure and there is no
preventative treatment on the market, but lifestyle changes are something all
Concord patients can focus on to do their part to prevent the onset of
Alzheimer's.
