Alzheimer’s has become all too familiar in today’s world. Chances are, you may know a friend or family member who suffers from this cognitive disease. According to experts, there are four main warning signs that your brain may be showing early signs of Alzheimer’s. These signs can become noticeable many years before actual symptoms of the disease start to show.
Relatives and friends of Alzheimer’s patients often describe the disease as very challenging. They watch their loved one slowly decline and become unrecognizable from their former self. Their memories fade and their behaviours change, often leaving the patients frustrated, angry, and aggressive. These symptoms are difficult to navigate for the family and friends of the patient, and force them to adapt to the new version of their loved one.
People over the age of 65 are most at risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Experts encourage people to learn these early warning signs.
Let’s take a look at these four warning signs of Alzheimer’s and what are some risk factors that can lead to this disease.
Poor Memory
Being forgetful is one thing, but when you start to notice that you are forgetting the names of people you’ve known forever, or places you visit daily, these could be early warning signs of a decline in your memory.
The hippocampus is responsible for creating memories. It is one of the earliest parts of the brain to be affected by Alzheimer’s. Ask yourself this: Do you feel that your memory is worse than it was a decade ago? If you answered yes, it may be time to speak to your doctor about these concerns, as this is the most common early warning signs of Alzheimer’s.
Impulsiveness and Poor Judgement
As the frontal lobe of the brain becomes damaged, it starts to affect the part of the brain used for decision-making. Tackling everyday problems can become frustrating and difficult. This often leaves the patient unable to understand the risks involved with everyday tasks.
With time, this can lead to patients losing their independence to care for themselves. Family members are often forced to step in and help with everyday tasks, or healthcare providers are hired to supervise and assist patients.
Short Attention Span
If you are finding yourself easily distracted, this could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s. A patient’s attention span may become shortened as they start to find it difficult to concentrate.
Unlike ADHD, which generally shows up in early childhood and adolescence, attention problems from Alzheimer’s tend to develop later in life and progressively worsen with time. This change signals a possible deterioration in the brain’s ability to focus and process information efficiently.
It may be time to speak with your GP if you feel your attention span is becoming shorter, as this could be a sign of a change in your brain’s functionality.
Low Mood
Experts say that depression is another common warning sign of Alzheimer’s. The disease disrupts serotonin and dopamine pathways, which regulate mood and motivation. Studies show that up to 50% of Alzheimer’s patients experience depression at some stage.
The amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are affected, which are the parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation. Patients may start to lose interest in their hobbies or withdraw from social situations.
This can cause emotional outbursts and mood swings, and patients often become easily irritable. They become unusually frustrated, snappy, or easily upset over small issues. This may result in a lack of motivation to complete tasks, and can come off as laziness or fatigue.
Risk Factors
Research shows that there are several health conditions that can increase your chances of developing Alzheimer’s. If you find that you or a loved one is showing signs of low energy levels, erectile dysfunction, obesity, insomnia, or sleep apnea, it may be time to speak with your GP.
Although these warning signs may be a cause for concern, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that Alzheimer’s is present. However, do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you are worried or need more information from a professional. Further discussion can help you to make the right changes to avoid these risk factors.
Conclusion
If you feel that you may be noticing any of the early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, addressing these issues early on may help you navigate the risk factors involved and make better decisions to improve your brain health before you start to see any decline.
Make an appointment to speak with your GP sooner rather than later if you have any concerns about your brain health. It’s always better to have peace of mind that you are in good health and making the right decisions for your future.
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