Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and severe brain disorder characterized by changes in the brain, leading to the accumulation of certain proteins. This condition causes the brain to shrink and ultimately results in the death of brain cells. It is the most common cause of dementia, which refers to a gradual decline in memory, thinking abilities, behaviours, and social skills, ultimately impairing a person’s overall functioning.
The initial signs of Alzheimer’s disease typically involve difficulty remembering recent events or conversations. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience significant memory problems and a loss of ability to perform everyday tasks. While certain medicines can help improve or slow down the progression of symptoms, there are also programs and services available to support individuals with the disease and their caregivers.
Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment to effectively cure Alzheimer’s disease. In advanced stages, the severe loss of brain function can lead to complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, and infections, which can ultimately result in death.
Symptoms
Memory loss is the primary symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Initially, individuals may struggle with remembering recent events or conversations, but as the disease advances, memory loss worsens, and additional symptoms manifest. In the early stages, individuals may still be aware of their memory difficulties, but as the disease progresses, these issues become more noticeable to family members and friends. The brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease can lead to growing difficulties in the following areas:
Memory
While occasional memory lapses are normal for everyone, memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease is persistent and deteriorates over time. This progressive memory loss significantly impairs an individual’s ability to function at work and at home.
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may experience:
- Repeat statements and questions over and over.
- Forget conversations, appointments, or events.
- Misplace items, typically putting them in places that make little to no sense.
- Get lost in places they used to be familiar with.
- Eventually, forget the names of family members and everyday objects.
- Have trouble finding the right words for objects, expressing thoughts, or taking part in conversations.
Thinking and reasoning
Alzheimer’s disease causes difficulty concentrating as well as thinking, especially about abstract concepts such as numbers. Doing more than one task at a time can be extremely difficult. It may be challenging to manage finances, balance checkbooks, and even pay bills on time. Eventually, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may be unable to recognize and deal with numbers.
Making judgments and decisions
Alzheimer’s disease causes a decline in the ability to make sensible decisions as well as judgments in everyday situations. For example, a person may make poor decisions in social settings or wear clothes that are unfit for the current weather. It may become harder for someone to respond to everyday problems. For example, the person may have no clue how to handle food burning on the stove or decisions when driving.
Planning and performing familiar tasks
Routine activities that require completing steps in order typically become a serious struggle. This may include planning and cooking a meal, or even playing their favorite game. Eventually, people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease forget how to do basic tasks such as dressing and bathing.
Changes in personality and behavior
Brain changes that occur in people with Alzheimer’s disease can affect moods and behaviors. Problems can include the following:
- Depression.
- Loss of interest in activities.
- Social withdrawal.
- Mood swings.
- Distrust in others.
- Anger or aggression.
- Changes in sleeping habits.
- Wandering.
- Loss of inhibitions.
- Delusions, such as believing something has been stolen from them.
- Preserved skills
- Despite major changes to members and skills, people with Alzheimer’s disease are able to hold onto some skills, even as their symptoms get worse. Preserved skills can include reading, or listening to books, telling stories, sharing memories, singing, listening to music, dancing, drawing, or doing crafts.
These skills can be preserved longer because they’re controlled by parts of the brain that are affected later in the course of the disease.
When is it time to see a doctor?
A number of conditions can result in memory loss or other related dementia symptoms. Some of those conditions can typically be treated. If you are concerned about your memory or other thinking skills, be sure to talk to your primary health provider. If you’re concerned about thinking skills you observe a family member or loved one, talk about your concerns and ask about going together to see your primary health provider.