Fish Oil and Omega 3 Health Benefits

The Early Symptoms of Alzheimers Disease

Do you have parents or grandparents aged 65 and above? Do they show signs of apparent forgetfulness? Be observant, for it might be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is often referred to as the “slow death of the mind”. This memory- robbing disease can be difficult to predict and diagnose at an early stage.

It’s true - we all seem to forget things at times. Even youngsters often do. We may fail to remember the names of persons we often meet, our neighbor’s telephone numbers, or some other important things we need to do. These things are considered normal but such behavior should be given attention if it becomes a daily occurrence.

So, how do you know that AD is already right on your doorsteps? What are the early warning signs that indicate the possible onslaught of Alzheimer’s disease? Here are some of them:

• Memory problems. People suffering from early symptoms of AD may have difficulty remembering things that can affect their daily routines. They may start forgetting the use of ordinary tools and utensils, and may have difficulty in communicating. They may even forget where they live, and thus, often get lost. And would you believe that AD sufferers may likewise forget family relationships as well?
• Poor judgment. If a person cannot give correct judgment to a very simple situation like using raincoats during sunny days, paying too much or too little for an article bought, putting dirty clothes on the dining table, and dirty dishes in the bedroom, it’s time to take notice.
• Uncharacteristic changes in mood and behavior. People showing early symptoms of AD are usually moody, fearful, or suspicious. They lose interest in doing things they normally enjoyed doing. They sleep a lot, spend a lot of time in front of the TV, and refuse to do any household chores.

So who’s at risk? Most AD victims are seniors who are over age 85. Some other risk factors may include:

• Genetics. If both of your parents were affected with AD, your risk of having the same disease is about five times higher than those whose parents were not affected by this debilitating mental disease.
• Obesity. People who were obese and overweight during their middle ages have twice the risk of suffering from AD as compared to their leaner counterparts.
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol. This can be a deadly mix. People with such conditions have six times the risk of developing AD in their later years.
• Race. For unknown reasons, Blacks and Hispanics are more prone to suffer from AD than whites.

Alzheimer’s is simply not a normal part of life, even for aging people. It’s not right to assume or to expect that the elderly will naturally lost control of their mind as they grow older. AD can be prevented. But you’ve got to start doing something about it now, before it’s too late!

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