Dementia is a chronic organic psycho-syndrome characterized by deterioration of intellectual functions such as the ability for remembering, reasoning, problem solving, abstract thinking, spatial and visual assessment, and verbal abilities. There are many causes of dementia, but usually occurs within any of degenerative diseases, primarily Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative disease characterized by the destruction of mental functions. In the initial stage of the disease is common dilemma specific changes are due to Alzheimer's disease, or due to the normal aging process.
The following list of signs and symptoms will help you solve this dilemma and will show you whether you need to seek professional medical help.
Loss of memory. Due to stress, workload and distraction, all sometimes forget certain names or data and usually it should not concern us. But if the person often forgets information recently learned, forgetting important dates and events later in the day can not remember, or repeatedly asking for the same information can be both an initial stage of Alzheimer's disease. As the disease progresses, so the distortion of memory deepens.
Problems in performing normal activities. People with Alzheimer's disease often have difficulty performing everyday activities previously performed independently without problems. In the advanced stage of the disease, the problems are more pronounced, and the person who is affected by Alzheimer's does not know how to dress or prepare his favorite meal.
Disruption of the ability of thinking and good judgment. In Alzheimer's disease is often impaired ability for good judgment and making reasonable decisions. In fact, it is a loss of the ability to assess the various factors that should be considered before taking a decision. A person who was a lifetime cautious with money, you can start to spend unreasonable for items that do not need it, to give money to strangers or to pay regular bills.
Problems with the interpretation of visual images. In some cases of Alzheimer's disease may occur and vision problems such as inability to estimate the distance or size of a subject, difficulty reading, trouble distinguishing colors etc. If impaired ability to perception, the patient may not recognize his own face in the mirror. However, it should be mentioned that there is no room for concern if vision problems are a result of cataracts or other ophthalmologist disorders.
Problems with speaking and writing. People suffering from this disease may have trouble keeping track or chat. They often do not finish a conversation started, stop and have no idea how to move or repeat what I have said previously. May occur and problems with vocabulary, like using the wrong words or inability to find appropriate words. Example: Not being able to remember the word pajamas person explains in other words - clothing that is used for sleeping.
Problems with orientation in time and space. People who suffer from Alzheimer's often have problems with orientation in time and space, so you can not set the date or time of year, and in some cases get lost, because we forget where they are, how they came to this place and how to return home .
Setting items of unusual places. Setting items of unusual places, losing items, then failure to remembering where they could be, or accusation of stealing other people that steal are features typical of the behavior of persons suffering from Alzheimer's. Normally a person sometimes forget where they left their glasses, but not normally remains in places like the refrigerator or cupboard for shoes, and also is not normal if you blame other people he steal or intentionally hide personal things.
Withdrawal from social activities. As the disease progresses, people with Alzheimer quit their hobbies, social activities and work and avoid contact with other people.
Changes in mood and behavior. In Alzheimer's disease, the person may sharply alter mood without any reason, and maybe a change of character. Often people are distressed, paranoid, suspicious, fearful or confused or easily upset the places where they were previously enjoyable. It is estimated that about 40% of people with Alzheimer's disease suffer from depression.
These changes some people with Alzheimer's disease alone notice in themselves, but often the first to recognize their friends or relatives. In any case, it is necessary to seek medical help.
