Many women over the age of 60 express concerns about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Will it affect me someday? Or will it affect someone I love? What are the signs I should watch for?
You’ve probably seen the list of 10 Warning Signs from the Alzheimer’s Association. But did you know that researchers are discovering more unusual early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia?
Read more: Abstract Thinking and Dementia: 4 Exercises to Keep Your Brain Fit as You Age.
Changes in Balance or Gait
Studies done in both the United States and France reveal that frequent falls may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
The studies looked at people who otherwise appeared healthy but displayed Alzheimer’s-related lesions in their brains. Their fall rate proved to be more than twice that of the average person their age.
Interestingly, studies also revealed that a decline in walking speed may indicate early Alzheimer’s dementia. This conclusion was reached after ruling out other possible causes such as arthritis or muscle weakness.
Read more about balance HOW SHOULD IT FEEL WHEN YOU DO BALANCE EXERCISES?
Decreased Sense of Smell
Multiple research studies suggest a link between Alzheimer’s disease and difficulty identifying certain odors. This makes sense because the part of the brain associated with smell is one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
While the scents used in each study varied, some of the most common were peanut butter, peppermint, coffee, orange, and leather.
Scientists are hopeful that someday a simple sniff test could provide an inexpensive and noninvasive test for Alzheimer’s disease. For now, it may be used as part of a battery of several tests to screen for early signs of Alzheimer’s.
Changes in Sense of Taste
As Alzheimer’s disease affects the part of the brain involved with taste, people often experience changes in their food preferences. This, in turn, can lead to changes in appetite and weight.
Some people show increased cravings for sweets. Others lose interest in their favorite foods resulting in weight loss. There are even situations where people don’t recognize that food is spoiled, or they consume substances that are inedible.
Unusual Social Responses
People experiencing early Alzheimer’s disease may display long periods of staring into space. This is also common with another form of dementia known as dementia with Lewy bodies.
More recently, researchers discovered that people with a condition called frontotemporal dementia often have difficulty recognizing when other people tell lies or display sarcasm during conversations. This is due to damage to the area of the brain that controls judgment.
Visual or Spatial Difficulties
Some individuals in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may experience challenges with visual or spatial understanding. This could manifest as difficulty judging distances, trouble reading, or misinterpreting visual cues such as reflections or patterns. These challenges often go unnoticed but can lead to accidents or confusion in unfamiliar environments.
Sleep Disturbances
Disrupted sleep patterns are another potential early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. People may experience insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, or changes in their sleep-wake cycle. Sleep disturbances may also include vivid dreams or restless leg syndrome, which can further contribute to cognitive difficulties.
What to Do if You See These Signs
No one wants to consider that a loved one might be developing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Yet, it’s important not to ignore these early warning signs.
The good news is that there are many other conditions that can cause these changes, and many of them are reversible. This includes medication side effects, certain vitamin deficiencies, and infections.
Your first step is to contact your medical provider who will do simple screening tests and provide referrals as needed. Even if it does prove to be dementia, early diagnosis and treatment often lead to an improved quality of life.
Read more: It’s Not Dementia! 5 Factors That Contribute to Forgetfulness.
FAQ
1. Can these unusual signs of dementia be caused by other conditions?
Yes, many of these signs can be caused by other factors, such as vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, or infections. A medical professional can help identify the root cause.
2. Are these signs reversible?
If the symptoms are due to reversible conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects, they can often be treated. However, if they are due to dementia, early intervention may help improve quality of life.
3. How can caregivers support someone experiencing these signs?
Caregivers can support loved ones by monitoring symptoms, seeking medical advice, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Joining caregiver support groups can also provide valuable resources and community.
4. When should I consult a doctor?
If you or a loved one experiences persistent changes in balance, smell, taste, social responses, or other unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor promptly.
5. Are there any lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of dementia?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation may help lower the risk.
6. Is dementia hereditary?
While family history can increase your risk, it doesn’t mean you will develop dementia. Many people with no family history are diagnosed, and some with a family history never develop it.
7. Can early signs of dementia fluctuate from day to day?
Yes. Symptoms may appear worse on some days than others, especially when a person is tired, stressed, or ill. These fluctuations are often part of the early stages.
8. Are there screening tools I can use at home?
There are a few basic self-assessment tools and memory quizzes available online, but they are not diagnostic. A comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional is always best.
Read more:Your Loved One Was Diagnosed with Dementia: How to Take Care of You.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Which of these early signs of dementia has you most concerned? Which ones do you think would be easier to recognize? Do you know what to do if you notice any of those signs in a loved one? Please take a moment to share your thoughts below.
