- Alzheimer’s disease may refer to an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys individuals’ memories, thinking skills, and abilities to carry out daily activities.
- Alzheimer’s disease involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
- Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging.
- A problem with memory is typically the first warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
- The signs/symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include the following:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life (e.g., forgetting important events or activities)
- Having problems planning or solving problems (e.g., having trouble paying bills)
- Exhibiting difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure (e.g., displaying difficulties finding destinations when driving)
- Exhibiting confusion with time or places (e.g., unable to keep track of dates)
- Displaying trouble understanding visual images and spatial relations (e.g., an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may easily fall over objects at his or her place of residence)
- Exhibiting problems with words in speaking or writing (e.g., an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may have trouble following or joining a conversation)
- Often misplacing objects (e.g., an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may often lose important objects such as car keys)
- Displaying poor judgment (e.g., an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may be often victimized)
- Social isolation (e.g., an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may avoid social interaction)
- Changes in mood and/or personality (e.g., an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may begin to exhibit inappropriate sexual behavior)
- Alzheimer’s disease is progressive in nature – meaning the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (e.g., mental decline, confusion, agitation, irritability, and hallucinations) may worsen over time.
