SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

By: Shelley R. Placito, MSW

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms during the progression of the illness.

Stage I - Family members tend to ignore or excuse early symptoms.  However, early progression can me slowed significantly if treated.

-         recent memory loss which causes problems with everyday tasks

-         confusion about what they are doing or where they are going

-         personality or mood changes

-         patient may begin to isolate

-         difficulty doing tasks which used to come easily

-         difficulty handling money or other financial matters

-         impaired judgment – buying from door-to-door salesmen, HSN, entering contests, et cetera

Stage II - The disease becomes impossible for the family to ignore.

-         increased memory loss and confusion

-         difficulty recognizing close friends and relatives

-         repetitive movements or statements

-         difficulty organizing and thinking logically

-         unable to find the right words to express themselves – patients often make up stories to fill in the gaps

-         difficulty reading, writing or working with figures

-         may become suspicious, irritable, fidgety, teary or silly

-         hygiene declines and may require assistance bathing and/or toileting

-         may become hostile or combative

-         needs full-time supervision

Stage III – Individuals are usually beyond home care at this stage.

-         cannot recognize family or self in the mirror

-         loses weight even though they eat

-         can’t communicate verbally or understand instructions

-         may become incontinent of bowel and bladder

-         sleeps more frequently