Alzheimer's Disease (Symptoms)

A progressive neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's slowly destroys an individual's memory, judgment, cognition and eventually ability to function. It represents an enormous burden on victims of the disease and their family alike.

In the early stages (or mild AD) the changes may be very subtle and often include:

Repeating statements frequently
Misplacing items frequently
Trouble naming familiar objects
Losing one's way on familiar routes
Personality changes
Passivity and loss of interest in things previously enjoyed

In moderate AD, the changes may include:

Changes in behavior: concern for appearance, hygiene, and sleep become more noticeable.
Mixing up identities of people, such as thinking a son is a brother or that a wife is a stranger.
Poor judgment creates safety issues when left alone; may wander and risk exposure, poisoning, falls, self-neglect, or exploitation.
Cannot organize thoughts or follow logical explanations.
Trouble following written notes or completing tasks.
Making up stories to fill in gaps in memory.
May accuse, threaten, curse, fidget or behave inappropriately, such as kicking, hitting, biting, screaming, or grabbing.
Hallucinations, arguments, and violent behavior
Delusions, depression, and agitation

In a severe AD the deficits are more obvious. Some symptoms are:

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Doesn't recognize self or close family
Speaking in gibberish, muteness, difficult-to-understand speech
May refuse to eat, chokes, or forgets to swallow
May repetitively cry out, pat or touch everything
Loses control of bowel and bladder
Loses weight and skin becomes thin and tears easily

As the disease progresses further, people with AD eventually forget how to do simple tasks like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. They begin to have problems speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. Some may wander away from home. Eventually, a patient may need total care.

Next: Causes