Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms and Tests

The effects of Alzheimer’s on an individual and their family can often be devastating so every senior citizen and their close family members should know about the symptoms Alzheimer ’s disease. The disease itself progressively destroys the personality and abilitities of the victim and the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the quicker medications can be prescribed to slow the onslaught. This can buy more quality time for the family with the person afflicted with the disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include much more than merely losing your car keys occasionally or forgetting where you put your spectacles.  Because Alzheimer’s victims suffer memory loss due to destroyed brain cells every aspect of the person’s life may be affected, including work and socialization. There will also be unusual or bizarre behavior.

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, problems with concentration, memory and thinking clearly might signify that a test for the disease is in order. You might also notice that a person in the beginning stages needs a little help with simple tasks and routines such as doing dishes or cooking a meal. He may get lost in areas that are familiar to him and confused about the day and time.

Later symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may include trouble in making judgments, even for trivial decision-making or the victim’s speech may undergo change such as slurring or beginning sentences that are never finished. As the disease progresses and more brain cells die, these conditions will become worse.

Alzheimer’s Disease Tests

Although there is yet no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and no single test that can pinpoint a diagnosis, there are early tests that can determine if this disease is the likely culprit for the symptoms. It is possible there are other reasons for the memory and skill loss. Your health care provider will probably begin with simple tests that check your memory and other mental abilities. She’ll also want to know your medical history, including any injuries, surgeries or illnesses and how you’re accomplishing certain daily tasks.

Medication history is also part of any medical examination that seeks to detect or reject the possibility of Alzheimers. Side effects from overdosing or combining certain medications with others are common causes of memory loss and confusion.

A neurological exam may also be ordered by your health care provider. This will include tests for coordination, movement, walking and sensory functioning and may show problems with the nervous system that are causing thinking and behavior problems.

If you’re seeking assistance for yourself or a loved one and suspect that Alzheimer’s disease may be the cause of problems you’re experiencing, go to your primary health care provider first. There are currently no doctors who specialize specifically in the disease, but your primary provider should be able to order tests and refer you to specialists.

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