Health Conditions

Symptoms and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease explained

Symptoms and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease explained

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common forms of dementia, affecting seniors mostly above the age of 60. It is a progressive condition, and the symptoms associated with memory loss only tend to get worse with increasing age. While the condition is prevalent among the elderly, young adults cannot be completely excluded from the risk. There is no definitive cure for the condition, however certain rehabilitation therapies can be explored to improve the quality of life. Research also indicates that specialized memory care facilities can help slow down and even stall the progression of the disorder to a significant extent.

Identifying the disorder
Memory loss is a common problem among the elderly, and this makes it difficult to single out Alzheimer’s risk. However, the following are the noticeable changes in behavior that can indicate the onset of the progressive disorder.

  • Regular loss of memory that can affect one’s daily routine, which includes activities that one might tend to forget and address completely
  • Experiencing trouble or acute difficulty doing simple tasks like using the coffee machine or forgetting how to use the microwave
  • Increased difficulties with basic problem solving abilities
  • Experiencing extreme changes in mood and personality that can tend to affect personal relationships
  • Behavioral changes that lead to decreased judgment and withdrawal from family, close friends, and even the community
  • Disorientation and confusion about one’s location that also increases the risk of wandering in the crowd
  • Changes in habits that lead to decreased interest in personal hygiene and overall well-being.

Note that the severity of the symptoms will vary from person to person depending on the progression of the condition and the age when a person develops Alzheimer’s disease. However, immediate medical attention is necessary once any of these symptoms start to develop rapidly. Based on the progression, a specialist can conduct a combination of the following neurological, physical, and imaging tests.

  • Physical and neurological tests
    A simple neurological exam is conducted to check the brain’s natural response and reflex. Further, the doctors may also conduct physical exams to check for infections, blood sample testing, and rule out other medical conditions that may result in similar discomforts.
  • Imaging tests
    Doctors will also conduct MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans to identify the extent of the nerve cell damage. Alzheimer’s disease is triggered by two abnormal structures called plaques and tangles that are responsible for damaging the neurons. Plaques are deposits of proteins that block the neural pathways and tangles are broken nerve fibers that result in disrupted communications.

Upon identifying the symptoms and determining the primary diagnosis, doctors will recommend the plan of action to control the progression of the neurological disorder and improve one’s future outlook.

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