by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: December 27, 2009

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder, which is characterized by widespread degeneration of brain cells. It is the most common form of dementia associated with elderly people and according to the statistics, over half of the population above the age of 85 years seems to be suffering from this disease. The nature of the disease would be to progress from mild form of forgetfulness to widespread neurological degeneration and death, which is caused by various factors related to the Alzheimer’s disease.

In its initial stages, it would be rather difficult to differentiate normal behavior and the Alzheimer’s disease related personality and behaviour. But, as the symptoms progress, the diagnosis will become apparent and thus the management will also be focused. The Alzheimer’s Association has come up with 10 most common signs that would be encountered by a patient with Alzheimer’s disease and each patient might experience one or more of these signs in the initial stages.

These signs are:

* Loss of memory to the degree that disrupts activities of daily living

Many elderly individuals will have some degree of forgetfulness and when it becomes disruptive and frequent, there should be suspicion regarding the presence of Alzheimer’s. Memory loss would initially be directed at recently learned activities and common every day practices such as keeping the key in odd places, asking for the same information over and over again, forgetting important dates or events…etc.

* Reduce ability to plan and solve problems

These patients will gradually develop the inability to follow procedures, a recipe, follow up with the monthly bills…etc. These procedures will take more time than usual and would show the inability of the patient to concentrate for a longer duration.

* Inability complete daily tasks

Often, these patients will find it difficult to complete things that they have started on doing. These can be related to household chores or even leisure activities or else work related matters.

* Disorientation

Patients with Alzheimer’s will at times be confused by the time and place and can mumble about certain things at odd times of the day. It would be possible for them not to understand where they are or how they arrived at that place…etc.

* Difficult interpretation of visual images and spatial relationships

Alzheimer’s patients would have difficulties in understanding what they see and can complain

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