Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is an advanced disease that destroys your memory and other important mental functions. It is a brain disease that causes a slow memory decline and interrupts with our daily life.

AD usually begins after the age of 60 and the risk goes up if you’re older. Your risk in getting Alzheimer’s goes higher if there is a family member with the disease.

Below are some early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer

Memory loss

Memory loss is one of the most known signs of Alzheimer’s disease. When you start forgetting new information, important dates and asking the same questions over and over again, you might have Alzheimer’s disease.

Challenges in planning or problem solving

People living with Alzheimer find it hard to plan or work with numbers. They may start having trouble with familiar recipes or even monthly bills. They may also have difficulties in concentrating.

Not being able to complete familiar tasks

When people have Alzheimer they find it hard to do daily tasks they usually do. For instance, driving to a place they know or remembering the rules of their favourite game.

Confusing time and place

Having Alzheimer can make you lose track of time, dates or even seasons. If something is not having immediately, like at the moment – people with Alzheimer tend to not understand or forget completely. Sometimes they may forget where they are, what they are doing and how they got there.

Trouble with visual images

For some patients having vision problems can be a sign of Alzheimer. They may have trouble reading, determining color, judging distance or while driving.

Problems in speaking or writing

A person having Alzheimer’s may develop problems following up or joining a conversation. Basically, they may just randomly stop in the middle of a conversation or have no idea on how to continue it. One might struggle with their vocabulary, forget object names or name something the wrong name.

Misplacing things or forgetting steps

One having Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places like; placing a toothbrush in a fridge. They may also tend to lose things and forget where they put them. In that case, accusing others of stealing.

Decreased or bad judgement

People living with Alzheimer’s may get changes in their judgement or even decision making. For instance; they may have poor judgement when dealing with money or keeping themselves clean.

Withdrawing from work or social activities

An individual having Alzheimer disease may experience in following up or holding a conversation. As a result, they will end up withdrawing from hobbies or other social engagements.

 Mood and personality change

People with Alzheimer’s disease may experience mood and personality changes. This means they could get depressed, anxious, confused or even suspicious. They tend to get easily upset at home or with other friends.

How to care for an Alzheimer’s patient.

No cure exists, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve these symptoms.

Reduce frustrations

Someone with Alzheimer’s may become nervous when facing their limitations. Therefore you should plan a routine and limit their choices which will diminish their frustrations. 

Safe environment

You should create a safe environment by installing locks on doors and cabinets, lower the tampon water heaters to avoid burns and keep matches or lighters out of reach. On top of that, you should also get rid of any others that can harm them.

Alzheimer’s in Rwanda

According to WHO Alzheimer’s and Dementia deaths in Rwanda have reached 959 or approximately 1.69 total deaths.

According to the world population revision, the total population of Rwanda in 2020 was 12,952,218 people and 2.7 of this population are people with 65 years old.

You should get checked if you notice any of the above signs in yourself or another person. Early detection is very important. You might feel uncomfortable talking to people about this or be worried on upsetting someone else about their behavioural changes. However, it is important to see a doctor as early as possible – to get the help you need.