CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Alzheimer’s is generally considered an age-related disease, but some changes linked to it can appear years before the illness is identified. Signs such as repeatedly forgetting things, being unable to recall the right word during conversation, difficulty with familiar tasks and changes in decision-making ability should not be ignored. However, not every memory problem is a sign of Alzheimer’s. Lack of sleep, stress, the effects of some medicines, vitamin deficiency and other health problems can also affect memory.
Do Alzheimer’s symptoms appear 5 to 10 years earlier? Alzheimer’s disease is a brain-related illness that develops gradually. It affects memory, thinking and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. In some people, biological changes in the brain may begin many years before clear symptoms of the disease appear. In some cases, early changes may start 5 to 10 years earlier, or even before that, but the duration varies from person to person.
In the early stage of the disease, a person may appear to be holding normal conversations and doing routine tasks. Even so, there may be persistent difficulty in remembering new information or recalling recent events. Over time, these changes begin to affect daily life.
Do not ignore these signs
1. Repeatedly forgetting recent things: Repeatedly forgetting a conversation, meeting or recent event and asking the same question again can be a cause for concern.
2. Difficulty with familiar tasks: Daily tasks, such as keeping track of bills, remembering the steps involved in cooking or using a familiar device, may start to feel difficult.
3. Difficulty finding the right word: Not being able to recall common words during conversation, difficulty expressing thoughts clearly or pausing repeatedly while speaking may be among the early signs.
4. Confusion about time and place: Frequent confusion about the date, day or location, and difficulty recognising directions even on a familiar route, are changes that should be taken seriously.
5. Changes in decision-making ability: Compared with earlier, a person may face greater difficulty in managing money, shopping or taking the right decision in an ordinary situation.
6. Changes in behaviour and temperament: Some people may show irritability, anxiety, withdrawal from social activities or changes in personality. However, such changes can also have many other causes.
What is the difference between normal forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s? With increasing age, it may be normal to occasionally forget someone’s name or where an object was kept. In such cases, the person remembers it after some time and daily life continues normally. In contrast, in Alzheimer’s, changes in memory and thinking ability can continue to increase. The person may forget important events, ask the same thing repeatedly or begin to depend on others for help with familiar tasks. Alzheimer’s cannot be confirmed on the basis of symptoms alone.
Why are prevention and timely examination important? There is no certain way available to completely prevent Alzheimer’s, but taking care of brain and heart health can be useful. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, staying away from smoking, control of blood pressure and diabetes, and participation in social and mental activities are beneficial for overall health.
If persistent changes are seen in memory, behaviour or the ability to perform everyday tasks in oneself or a family member, a doctor or neurologist should be consulted. Depending on the need, the physician may conduct memory tests, review medicines and examine other possible causes.
Important point: Recognising the early signs of Alzheimer’s is useful, but instead of panicking or concluding the illness on one’s own, seeking timely medical advice is the most appropriate step.
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