As people age, it’s normal for their memories to become less sharp, but a complete loss of memories is never normal. Dementia is a condition that may cause older people to lose their memories, and Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia. To explain the main difference between Alzheimer’s vs dementia, dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a decline in mental function. It’s not a specific disease but rather a group of symptoms that can be caused by a variety of conditions. Alzheimer’s disease, on the other hand, is a specific type of dementia that is caused by damage to the brain cells. This damage leads to a progressive decline in memory and cognitive skills.
Alzheimer’s disease affects people in different ways, so it is hard to predict how it will progress in any individual. If you or a loved one are experiencing memory problems that interfere with daily life, it’s important to see a doctor. Keep reading to learn about the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Memory Problems
Among the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s are problems with memory. Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can include difficulty remembering recent events, conversations, or what was just read. As the disease progresses, individuals may have trouble remembering their own names or how to do simple tasks, including bathing, dressing, and grooming. They may also not be able to remember to eat or drink properly, which can lead to malnutrition or dehydration. For this reason, it’s important for an Alzheimer’s patient to live with a caregiver, family member, or friend who can help them with these things and keep an eye on their health.
Mood Changes
Mood changes are very common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. In the early stages of the disease, people may become irritable or agitated. They may also become depressed or withdrawn. As the disease progresses, people may become more confused, restless, and agitated. These mood changes can be very difficult for caregivers and family members to deal with. It is important to remember that the person with Alzheimer’s disease is not doing these things on purpose and that they can’t help how they feel.
Hallucinations
Up to half of all people with Alzheimer’s disease will experience hallucinations at some point during the course of their illness. Hallucinations can take many different forms, such as seeing, hearing, smelling, or feeling things that are not there. They can be mild or severe and can occur at any time of the day or night.
Hallucinations can be frightening and confusing for both the person with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. It is important to understand that hallucinations are not caused by dementia and are not a sign of mental decline. They are simply a side effect of the disease.
Delusions
Patients with Alzheimer’s may experience delusions as one of the symptoms of their illness. These delusions may be related to their memory loss, such as thinking that a family member or friend has been replaced by an impostor. They may also believe that their home has been burglarized when it has not or that their possessions have been stolen.
Hearing and Speech Changes
Hearing changes may occur because patients begin to have difficulty properly hearing and understanding conversations or sounds. Some people with Alzheimer’s may also start to mumble when they speak or say things that simply don’t make sense.
All of these symptoms can make it difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s to live independently and can also be distressing for caregivers and loved ones. Early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s can help improve the quality of life for those affected by the disease.
