Early Signs and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Don't overlook the early signs of Alzheimer's disease in seniors in order to implement timely support.
By Drew Davis, Owner
The human mind is a remarkable landscape, a repository of memories, experiences, and the very essence of who we are. When a condition like Alzheimer’s Disease begins to cast its shadow, it can bring a wave of uncertainty and concern, not only for the individual experiencing changes but also for their cherished family and friends. Facing potential cognitive changes requires courage and compassion. It’s a journey that no one should walk alone. This guide aims to provide clarity on what Alzheimer’s Disease is, how to recognize its early manifestations, the critical reasons why early diagnosis matters, and the process involved in confirming such a diagnosis.
What Exactly is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer's Disease is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for loss of memory and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. It's not a normal part of aging, though the greatest known risk factor is increasing age, and the majority of people with Alzheimer's are 65 and older. Alzheimer's involves complex changes in the brain, including the buildup of abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) that lead to the loss of connections between nerve cells (neurons) and, eventually, to the death of these neurons and loss of brain tissue. This damage typically starts in the areas of the brain important for memory before spreading to other regions.
The Profound Importance of Early Diagnosis
While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, an early and accurate diagnosis offers significant benefits:
Access to Treatment Options: Some medications may help manage cognitive and behavioral symptoms for a time, and these are often most effective when started in the early stages of the disease.
Opportunity to Participate in Clinical Trials: Early diagnosis may allow individuals to participate in clinical trials for new potential treatments, contributing to scientific advancement and potentially gaining access to innovative therapies.
Time for Planning: An early diagnosis provides individuals and their families with more time to plan for the future. This includes making legal and financial arrangements, discussing future care preferences, and addressing safety concerns in the home.
Access to Support Services and Education: Knowing the diagnosis allows families to connect with valuable resources, support groups, and educational programs that can help them understand the disease, develop coping strategies, and learn about available care options.
Reduced Anxiety from Uncertainty: For some, finally having a name for the changes they've been experiencing can bring a sense of relief and reduce the anxiety that comes with unexplained symptoms.
Maximizing Quality of Life: Early intervention can help individuals maintain independence and cognitive function for longer, allowing them to continue engaging in activities they enjoy.
Unveiling the Early Signs
The Alzheimer's Association has identified 10 key warning signs and symptoms. While individuals may experience one or more of these in different degrees, it's the pattern and persistence that raise concern:
Memory loss that disrupts daily life: This is one of the most common signs, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions repeatedly, and increasingly relying on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes) or family members for things they used to handle themselves.
Challenges in planning or solving problems: Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. Concentration may be difficult, and tasks may take much longer than before.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks: People with early Alzheimer's often find it hard to complete daily tasks. They may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work, or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time is common. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer's. This may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble reading. They may also have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.
New problems with words in speaking or writing: Individuals may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They might struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word, or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a "watch" a "hand-clock").
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing, especially as the disease progresses.
Decreased or poor judgment: Individuals may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money or pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
Withdrawal from work or social activities: A person living with Alzheimer’s disease may experience changes in the ability to hold or follow a conversation. As a result, they may withdraw from hobbies, social activities, or other engagements. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite team or activity.
Changes in mood and personality: The mood and personality of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, with friends, or when out of their comfort zone.
Recognizing these Alzheimer's disease symptoms in seniors is the first step towards seeking help.
The Path to Diagnosis
There isn't a single, simple test to diagnose Alzheimer's Disease. Instead, doctors use a variety of approaches and tools to make a determination, rule out other potential causes of symptoms, and assess the severity of cognitive impairment. A thorough diagnostic process typically involves:
Medical History Review: The doctor will ask about current and past health problems, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and family medical history (including any history of dementia or Alzheimer's).
Physical Examination: A physical exam can help identify other health issues that might be causing or contributing to cognitive symptoms, such as thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or side effects of medications.
Neurological Examination: This assesses reflexes, coordination, balance, speech, eye movements, and sensation. It helps detect other neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or stroke, which can also cause dementia-like symptoms.
Mental Status and Cognitive Testing (Neuropsychological Testing): These tests evaluate memory, problem-solving skills, attention span, language abilities, and other cognitive functions. Examples include the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). More detailed neuropsychological testing can provide a comprehensive profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Laboratory Tests: Blood and urine tests can help rule out other possible causes of symptoms, such as thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, kidney or liver problems, or infections. Sometimes, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (obtained via a lumbar puncture) may be used to measure biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's, though this is not yet routine in all settings.
Brain Imaging:
Structural Imaging (CT or MRI scans): These scans can detect tumors, evidence of strokes, fluid buildup, or damage from head trauma. They can also show patterns of brain shrinkage (atrophy) that are characteristic of Alzheimer's, though these changes can also occur in normal aging. Primarily, they help rule out other conditions.
Functional Imaging (PET scans): Certain types of PET scans can show how different areas of the brain are functioning or even detect the presence of amyloid plaques or tau tangles, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. These are becoming more common in diagnosis.
A diagnosis is often made by a primary care physician, but they may refer the individual to a specialist for a more definitive evaluation. Specialists include:
Neurologists: Doctors who specialize in diseases of the brain and nervous system.
Geriatricians: Doctors who specialize in the care of older adults.
Geriatric Psychiatrists: Doctors who specialize in mental and emotional problems of older adults, including dementia.
Neuropsychologists: Psychologists who specialize in assessing cognitive abilities through detailed testing.
Finding Support and Moving Forward
Receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis is life-changing, but it's important to remember that support is available. Life doesn't end with a diagnosis. Planning for the future, accessing resources, and focusing on quality of life become paramount.
As the disease progresses, individuals with Alzheimer's will require increasing levels of support with daily activities. This is where companion care for seniors can play a vital role, providing not only assistance with tasks like meal preparation, personal care, and medication reminders, but also crucial social engagement and emotional support. Finding quality caregiving for seniors in California means seeking out agencies and caregivers who are trained and experienced in dementia care, understanding the unique challenges and communication strategies required.
Understanding the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and navigating the diagnostic process can be overwhelming. If you have concerns about a loved one and are seeking compassionate, professional support, Davis In-Home Care is here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized in-home care, including specialized support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Contact us today to discuss how our dedicated caregivers can support your family through every stage of this journey.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This blog provides general information and discussions about key warning signs, the importance of early detection, and how doctors diagnose Alzheimer's. It is not intended and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.