Recent studies have concluded that nearly 1 in every 10 Americans over the age of 65 have some form of dementia, a number that grows to 1 in every 7 Americans by the age of 71. Dementia is an umbrella term for a decline in mental ability serious enough to interfere with a person’s daily life. Alzheimer’s is a specific disease and falls under the umbrella of dementia, and is its the most common form. With dementia being so common in the United States, it has become increasingly important for seniors and their family members to be watchful of potential dementia symptoms. Being alert to these symptoms can allow individuals to be both diagnosed and treated earlier, thus potentially limiting the overall impact of the disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease makes up anywhere between 60%-80% of all dementia cases. It is important to note that while cognitive decline is, of course, a natural part of the aging process, Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases are different and bring different challenges. While Alzheimer’s is primary a disease that impacts individuals age 65 and up, it can affect those under 65 and is often called early onset Alzheimer’s.
Not all signs of cognitive decline are due to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s and the normal aging process is important. Below is a list of common symptoms related to Alzheimer’s contrasted with the expected and natural changes that come with the aging process:
- Disruptive memory loss – Forgetting daily tasks, appointments, or simple lapses in memory are expected from elderly individuals. However, a noticeable change in ability to retain short-term and/or recently learned information may be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
- Problems remembering familiar words – Sometimes getting caught on a word or phrase is typical. A sudden struggle to remember familiar words or the names for specific objects, could point to Alzheimer’s.
- Sudden changes in personality or mood – We all see changes in our personality and typical moods as we grow and develop throughout life. However, if you or someone you love has developed a sudden change in personality (become more anxious, stressed, irritable, confused, etc.), it may be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
- Losing the ability to plan – Some people naturally have a hard time creating a plan or following a routine. For someone who used to make plans easily, an inability to plan or follow a routine may be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
- Changes in ability to follow and/or hold a conversation – Losing the ability to communicate effectively is not only frustrating, it is a symptom of Alzheimer’s.
- Confusion with time and place – We all sometimes forget what day it is or lose track of time when we are completing a task. Routinely forgetting where you are, what general date it is, or what period of time you are present in may be a sign of Alzheimer’s.
- Vision and spatial problems – Often, drastic changes in vision can be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Another sign of Alzheimer’s is a difficulty with balance and/or judging distances. Contrast this with the natural vision problems that occur with the aging process.
- Poor decision-making – Everyone occasionally makes a bad decision. Some people seem to always be making bad decisions. However, if a person has always been responsible and abruptly begins struggling to make wise decisions, it may be an indicator of Alzheimer’s. Two common examples of this are strings of poor and irrational financial decisions, as well as drastic decreases in bodily hygiene.
- Loss of ability related to daily tasks – This symptom is difficult to analyze in regards to Alzheimer’s because seeing a decreased ability to complete day-to-day tasks is very common among elderly individuals. However, if you or a loved one have started to notice a sudden decrease in the ability to complete routine and mundane tasks, it may be a good time to get checked for Alzheimer’s.
- Misplacing items – We all lose our wallet or phone every once in a while. An increased propensity to misplace cell phones, remotes, glasses, etc., especially if they are showing up in unusual places, may point to Alzheimer’s.
The primary risk factors for Alzheimer’s relate to age, family history, genetics, and lifestyle choices. As mentioned above, most individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia are 65 or older. The risk of Alzheimer’s then doubles every five years, ultimately reaching a rate of 33% at age 85. Family history is also a strong risk factor. Somone with an immediate family member who has had Alzheimer’s is more likely themselves to develop the disease. While the research is still in the early stages, it has been discovered that genes are involved in the development of Alzheimer’s. Early studies suggest that the majority of Alzheimer’s-related genes only increase the likelihood of developing the disease rather than directly causing the development of the disease. Research also suggest that overall “healthy aging” can reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s Association includes healthy eating, staying socially and physically active, avoiding tobacco, and limiting excess alcohol consumption in the list of things that are included in overall “healthy aging.”
Getting checked for and potentially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s early comes with a lot of benefits. First, there are medical benefits to early detection. Early detection allows for a quicker start on treatments that can slow the development of the disease, thus limiting the speed in which cognitive functions decline. Also, early detection can facilitate lifestyle changes that can help preserve cognitive function. Another benefit that comes from early detection is the increased ability to plan for the future. This planning could be financial or social. One of the scariest parts of Alzheimer’s, and dementia in general, is the loss of control that comes with the loss of cognitive function. Early detection helps put some of this control back in the hands of the individual.
If you are concerned about Alzheimer’s and dementia in general, or just simply want to discover more about the disease itself, below are some good resources:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- National Institute on Aging
- World Health Organization
Sources:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/why-get-checked
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factors
https://www.prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-u-s-dementia-trends/#:~:text=Estimates%20vary%2C%20but%20experts%20report,nearly%2012%20million%20by%202040.
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/one-seven-americans-age-71-older-has-some-type-dementia-nih-funded-study-estimates
https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/24/health/dementia-cognitive-decline-wellness/index.html