World Alzheimer's Day: Recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease which normally starts gradually but worsens overtime. It accounts for 60% to 70% of dementia cases.

As a person's (suffering from alzheimer's) condition declines, they often withdraw from family and society. Gradually, bodily functions are lost, eventually leading to death.

The cause of Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood and is still mostly unknown except for 1% to 5% of cases where genetic differences have been identified.

If you or any of your loved ones have memory lapses, or "senior moments," it could be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease.

People with AD have memory loss, loss of the ability to solve problems, personality changes and behavioural problems which can become severe enough as the disease progresses to interfere with normal activities and relationships. 

AD awareness among people is essential, therefore today, on World Alzheimer's Day, we list down the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease which may help you gauge the onset of the disease, because it is necessary to detect the early signs of Alzheimer's to take necessary precautions on time.

1. Frequent loss of recent memory in particularly recent conversations, appointments or events.

2. Often misplacing personal belongings and keeping things in illogical locations.

3. Change in behaviour and mood such as depression and apathy, irritability and aggression.

4. Difficulty in expressing and understanding language (even simple language or common terms in daily conversation).

5. Repeating a statement or question  again and again.

6. Difficulty in concentrating, shortened attention span.

7. Difficulty in doing everyday activities that need sequential steps, like operating the washing machine or grinder or cooking a meal.

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible disease and the person suffering from it demands utmost care and attention.