Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that typically occurs after the age of 65. However, about 10 percent of all Alzheimer’s cases are “early-onset Alzheimer’s”, and although it often occurs in the 40s and 50s, it can also start at the age of 30.
The most well-known aspect of Alzheimer’s disease is memory problems, but it can also lead to problems such as problem solving, vision, writing, and speaking. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means that the symptoms will worsen over time. The symptoms are the same for early-onset Alzheimer’s. Early-onset Alzheimer’s is usually caused by an inherited genetic trait. In modern medicine, there is no complete cure for the disease, but there are treatments to help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. However, a number of traditional and complementary medicine methods, especially bioresonance therapy, can be used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. With these treatments, it is possible to slow down the progression of the disease, and sometimes prevent the progression of the disease. As with every disease, early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important in Alzheimer’s disease.
If we go back to the associated symptoms and causes of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease… The main symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss, but other changes can also occur. Symptoms can be similar to other types of dementia and other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Memory loss that interferes with daily activities. The most obvious symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is often memory loss. The person may start forgetting messages or recent events in a way that is unusual for them. They may repeat questions, forgetting the answer or the fact that they have already asked them. It is not uncommon for people to forget things as they get older, but in early-onset Alzheimer’s disease this happens earlier in life, is more frequent, and appears out of character.
- Difficulty completing daily tasks. The person may have difficulty, for example, going to the supermarket, restaurant, work, remembering the rules of a game they have always played, or preparing a simple meal. Sometimes, as people get older, they need help with new or unfamiliar things, such as the settings on a new phone. However, this does not necessarily indicate a problem. In contrast, if a person has used the same phone for many years and suddenly cannot remember how to make a phone call, they may have memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease.
- Problem solving or planning difficulties. The person may have difficulty, for example, following a recipe, following instructions for a product, or keeping track of monthly bills and expenses. Some people often have problems like this, but if they start happening suddenly, it may indicate early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
- Problems with vision and distance awareness. Alzheimer’s disease can sometimes make it difficult for people to judge distances between objects. The person may have difficulty distinguishing contrasts and colors or estimating speed or distance. When combined, such problems can make it dangerous for a person to drive a car. However, aging also affects eyesight, so regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist are very important.
5. Confusion about place and time. The person may be confused about place or time. It may be difficult to keep track of the seasons, months, or times of the day. They may become confused in an unfamiliar place. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, they may become confused in familiar places or question how they got there. They may also begin to wander and get lost.
6. Frequently misplacing things. Most people lose things after a while, but they can usually find them again by searching in logical places and retracing their steps. However, someone with Alzheimer’s disease may forget where they placed an item, especially if they put it in an unusual place. They may also not be able to retrace their steps to find the lost item. This can be upsetting and may lead the person to believe that someone has stolen it from them.
- Problems with speech and communication. The person may also have difficulty with words and communication. They may find it difficult to follow or contribute to a conversation, or they may repeat themselves. The person may also have difficulty writing down their thoughts. They may stop in the middle of a conversation, then not know what to say next. They may also find it difficult to find the right word or label things incorrectly. It is not uncommon for people to occasionally struggle to find the right word. Typically, they eventually remember it and don’t have the problem as often.
- Decreased judgement. The person may spend long periods of time on unnecessary tasks, may not pay attention to personal care such as taking a shower, and may start putting things in unexpected places such as hiding keys in the fridge.
- Mood or personality changes. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may feel irritable, confused, anxious, or depressed. They may also lose interest in things they used to enjoy. They may become frustrated with their symptoms or fail to recognize the changes that are taking place. As a result, they may develop aggression or irritability towards others.
- Withdrawal from social activities. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, a person may stop attending social events or doing work that they used to enjoy.
Is this due to Alzheimer’s disease or aging?
To answer this question correctly, it is necessary to examine the behavioral changes that occur:
- Memory loss: As people age, they gradually become forgetful. In Alzheimer’s disease, there is unusual forgetfulness and a tendency to repeat questions.
- Difficulty completing tasks: As people age, it is expected that they will need help with new technologies or new ways of using them. However, the inability to complete familiar tasks such as grocery shopping and preparing meals is a sign of Alzheimer’s…
- Vision: With age, it may be difficult to recognize shapes from a distance, but Alzheimer’s also causes problems with vision and spatial awareness.
- Problem solving: Multitasking may become more difficult in old age and may involve slower behavior, whereas in Alzheimer’s it becomes difficult to follow a recipe or even keep track of bill payments.
- Time flow: A person who asks himself/herself the question “Why did I enter this room?” and recalls it in a moment is likely to suffer from age-related memory loss, whereas a person who has difficulty in keeping track of days and gets confused in unfamiliar environments is a possible Alzheimer’s suspect.
- Misplacing things: When it is due to aging, it is a momentary situation, but when it is due to Alzheimer’s, things are placed in unusual places.
- Socializing: Sometimes we feel tired and disconnected from social life. The difference in Alzheimer’s disease is that we no longer participate in social activities that we used to enjoy.
The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age, but a person with a family history of Alzheimer’s may have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If you suspect Alzheimer’s disease in yourself or a loved one, you should consult a doctor immediately.
