The Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

At Anthem Memory Care, our dedicated specialists are passionate about creating an engaging environment that stimulates the mind, body, and spirit. With our comprehensive activities program and personalized care approach, we strive to support and nurture our residents at every stage of their Alzheimer's journey.

Early identification of Alzheimer's disease allows for timely interventions and support. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of the disease in its early stages, individuals and their families can take proactive steps to manage their care needs.

Alzheimer's disease is a persistent neurodegenerative condition that affects memory and cognitive function. While no two cases are the same, several common symptoms may indicate the presence of Alzheimer's-related cognitive decline. These symptoms can range in degree and presentation among individuals, making diagnosis difficult in the early stages.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

• Memory loss: Memory loss is one of the primary indications of Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with Alzheimer's often experience difficulty remembering new information or events. Indications of impaired memory can range from forgetting the names of familiar people and places to struggling with more complex tasks such as managing finances or following a recipe.
• Impaired judgment: Individuals with Alzheimer's may struggle with decision-making processes, making choices that may seem irrational or unsafe. They may have difficulty recognizing hazards or understanding the consequences of their actions.
• Poor time management: Individuals with Alzheimer's often have difficulty planning tasks, prioritizing activities, or organizing their time effectively. This can result in missed appointments, incomplete tasks, and a disorganized lifestyle.
• Diminished problem-solving skills: Individuals with Alzheimer's may find it more challenging to think logically, assess situations, and discover solutions to complex problems. They may rely on familiar patterns or turn to others for assistance in problem-solving tasks.
• Mood changes: Individuals with Alzheimer's may experience changes in their emotional well-being, such as increased irritability, depression, or mood swings. These mood changes can be triggered by various factors such as stress, frustration, or changes in routine.

The above symptoms are not exclusive to Alzheimer's disease and may be observed in other neurological conditions as well. A medical professional should make a proper evaluation and diagnosis based on the individual's medical history, physical examination, and cognitive function evaluation.

While the above symptoms are strong indicators of the presence of Alzheimer's disease, there are other early indicators of potential cognitive decline. By understanding other early indicators, individuals can better recognize and address the early stages of this condition.

Your Speech May Reveal Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

Changes in speech patterns have been widely reported in individuals with mild and early Alzheimer's disease.

One of the most noticeable changes is increased pauses during speech. Individuals with Alzheimer's may experience difficulty in finding the correct words or organizing their thoughts, leading to longer pauses as they search for the appropriate words.

Other speech changes include the following:

• An increased use of pronouns such as "it" or "they" for objects.
• Unfocused or rambling spoken sentences.
• Use of filler words, such as "um," "uh," and "er."

While changes in speech are common early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, there are other disorders associated with spoken language challenges. A medical professional should evaluate any speech changes.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Are in The Eye

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a neurodegenerative disorder frequently associated with Alzheimer's disease. 

PCA is characterized by progressive atrophy, or shrinkage, of the posterior regions of the cerebral cortex. This area is responsible for multiple cognitive functions, including spatial awareness, accurately judging distances, and distinguishing between stationary and moving objects.

Patients with PCA often experience a range of symptoms that impact their daily activities. Some common manifestations of PCA include:

• Difficulty with spatial awareness: Individuals with PCA lose the ability to judge distances accurately and may experience challenges in navigating their surroundings. 
• Difficulty with object recognition: People with PCA may become unable to distinguish between stationary and moving objects. This symptom can significantly impair a person's ability to drive safely and might be mistaken for disorientation or confusion.
• Impaired visual perception: PCA can disrupt visual information processing, leading to difficulty interpreting visual stimuli. This deficit can affect a person's ability to recognize faces, read text, or complete tasks that involve accurate visual processing.

Currently, there is no cure for PCA, and treatment prioritizes managing symptoms and providing support. Strategies might include medication to manage symptoms and physical and occupational therapies to improve balance and mobility.

What To Do When You Notice Early Signs of Alzheimer’s in Your 50s

While Alzheimer's disease is typically associated with older adults, early-onset Alzheimer's disease is relatively rare, occurring in approximately 5% of all cases.

Early signs of Alzheimer's disease can be alarming; younger people have to face unique challenges. They often have to navigate the demands of work and family responsibilities while dealing with the cognitive and emotional effects of the disease. These burdens can be particularly stressful and lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.

If you notice signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s in your 50s or earlier, consider taking the following steps:

• Educate yourself.
• Speak to a specialist.
• Engage in cognitive stimulation.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Seek support.

Living with Alzheimer's disease may require adjusting your future plans and considering options such as long-term care. Discuss your concerns and wishes with family members and financial advisors to ensure your future care needs are met.

Protect, Engage & Love

At Anthem Memory Care, we strive to provide the highest care and support for individuals with memory loss. Our compassionate and dedicated team is committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where residents can thrive.

With our commitment to person-centered care, innovative programming, and a supportive community, Anthem Memory Care is the right choice for you and your loved ones.