Three Valuable Considerations in the Early Onset of Alzheimer’s

Reaching age 65 and above coupled with episodes of forgetfulness doesn’t necessarily equate to the early onset of Alzheimer’s. On the other hand it is important to recognize the early onset of Alzheimer’s so that certain behaviors are not dismissed as part of the normal aging process.

Early Symptoms

Early onset of Alzheimer’s in individuals can be characterized through many symptoms. Forgetfulness is one of the primary symptoms and is caused by the ability of Alzheimer’s to destroy brain cells. This destruction results in the loss of memory. These memory lapses can be minor like forgetting the name of a city you once visited or they could be major, like forgetting the name of one of your children. Forgetfulness often comes with age, however, Alzheimer’s disease is differentiated because the speed of forgetfulness is often seems to occur suddenly and is much quicker than typical aging.

The early onset of Alzheimer’s may include the forgetting of where items in your home are located. Additionally early signs of Alzheimer’s could include the storing of items in incorrect places (like books in the dryer).

Another symptom demonstrated in the early onset of Alzheimer’s is severe feelings of depression. Although depression affects can affect anyone of any age, it can be an effective indicator of this disease when coupled with the other early signs of Alzheimer’s.

A severe change in the affected individual’s senses can also be a good indicator of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Often the sense of smell can be heightened and there is the inability to distinguish between odors. There may be a sever change of hearing loss, where the individual doesn’t hear their phone ring, listens to the radio on high volumes, and is unable to hear conversation occurring in the same room. The sense of sight may also be affected as seen through the individual’s inability to follow visual instructions or directions

Another early onset of Alzheimer’s symptom can be severe mood swings for no apparent reason. One minute the affected is laughing with friends and the next minute she is crying uncontrollably.

Early onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms may include confusion in the indivual’s behavior. Such as their lack of knowing what type of clothes is appropriate to were in the summer and what type of clothes they should wear in the winter. This can be very embarrassing and uncomfortable for the sufferer.

The final symptom of the early onset of Alzheimer’s may be the individual’s inability to think and process things as clearly as before. This could be seen in their inability to pay bills or balance their own checkbook.

Diagnosis

Recognizing symptoms as a possibility of the early onset of Alzheimer’ can be terrifying. A critical step in facing this fear is to be examined by a medical professional and obtain a correct diagnosis. Overcoming fear and moving ahead translates into an earlier treatment program.

Often the first medical professional consulted is the family’s physician. They in turn may suggest consultation with a neurologist or geriatric psychiatrist. These medical professional’s specialize in the diagnosing and management of various forms of dementia which includes Alzheimer’s disease.

Treatment

With the correct diagnosis at the early onset of Alzheimer’s, early treatment can begin. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, treatment may include a prescription regimen which may help slow the development of the disease.

Other treatments to begin at the early onset of Alzheimer’s include the use of alternative medicine. The effectiveness of vitamins and herbal remedies are promoted as possible treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. These alternative medicines could be the use of Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba and Coenzyme Q10.