Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia. People diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease suffer from memory loss, decrease in cognitive abilities and diminished social interaction. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 – 80 percent of dementia is attributed to Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory Loss is one of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. On going memory loss includes forgetting appointments, important dates, not remembering recent events, asking the same questions over and over.
Not being able to complete common tasks at home. Having trouble following familiar recipes or difficulty concentrating. An Alzheimer’s patient may experience confusion and forget where they are. They also may loose track of dates and passage of time. They may have difficulty staying in a conversation. They may forget what they were saying or repeat themselves.
Moods and personalities can change with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer patients can become confused, depressed and easily upset when they are out of their comfort zone.
If you think you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss go to a Doctor for a full exam. When I see a patient with memory loss I take a thorough medical history, give them a mental status test, physical, neurological exam and order blood tests. Depending on the blood test results I may order a brain imaging a scan. All of these steps must be done to make the correct diagnosis. Memory loss does not always mean a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease which is why it is important to see a Doctor. Memory loss can be caused by depression, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems and drug interaction.
Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is difficult on the patient and family. As a physician who sees many geriatric patients I see the toll it takes on everyone. There are drug treatments that can help in the early stages. Always talk to your Doctor for treatment and a care of plan.