William Penn Life, 2012 (47. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2012-02-01 / 2. szám
Our Health Corner with Debbie Wolfe, rn Á XClzneimerJs 10 warning signs that you may be experiencing more than typical age related change U I ave you ever forgotten where your keys are, or where you put that pizza coupon? Well, of course; we all have. I usually laugh it off and say, "it's just my Alzheimer's again!" But, do we really know the difference between typical age-related change and Alzheimer's disease? Few families are fortunate enough to say they have not been impacted by Alzheimer's disease. This is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, impairing thinking and memory, accounting for 50 to 60 percent of dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Though many of our experiences with Alzheimer's disease involve an elderly friend or relative, the disease is not exclusive to the elderly. Up to five percent of people with the disease had early-onset, meaning their symptoms began when they were in their 40's and 50's. Here are 10 warnings signs of Alzheimer's disease. I. Memory Loss Disrupting Daily Life. Memory loss is the most common sign of Alzheimer's. This is especially so if one forgets things that happen very recently. Additional signs include forgetting important dates and events, asking for the same information over and over again. Or relying on memory aids, like notes and other family members to remind you of things you once had no problem remembering on your own. Typical age related change: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later. 2. Difficulty Planning. Some people might begin having difficulty following a plan or working with numbers. It may be seen in following a recipe or paying the monthly bills. Concentration is difficult for persons with Alzheimer's. Typical age related change: Making an occasional error in your checkbook or forgetting to pay the water bill. 3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks. Daily tasks, such as driving to work or remembering the rules of a familiar game, will be difficult for people with Alzheimer's. Typical age related change: Occasionally needing help the set the microwave or record a television show. 4. Disorientation with Time and or Place. People with Alzheimer's lose track of dates, seasons 10 0 February 2012 0 William Penn Life
